At a time when the space for independent journalism is shrinking, media leaders and reporters from around the world met in Vienna to confront the growing threats facing their profession.

Defending the Future of Press Freedom Congress, which took place at the Schoenbrun Palace, not very far from the headquarters of the International Press Institute (IPI), from 23 to 25 October, drew attention to the urgent need to safeguard open, accountable media in a rapidly changing world.

Hosted by the IPI, one of Al Jazeera Media Network’s long-standing partners, and organised in cooperation with major media outlets, the event brought together editors, correspondents, and advocates to examine how journalism can endure amid mounting political, financial, and digital pressures.

Over three days, participants explored how newsrooms are adapting to an increasingly hostile landscape.

Sessions tackled questions of impunity for those who kill journalists, the rise of populism and its impact on public trust, and the sweeping influence of technology companies over how information is shared and consumed.

Much of the discussion focused on the disruptive role of artificial intelligence and its implications for freedom of expression, as well as the growing interference of governments seeking to silence critical voices.

The Congress spotlighted women journalists covering wars, the shifting realities of independence in the digital era, and the challenge of innovation in storytelling and news formats.

Experts warned that defending press freedom now requires more than bravery. It calls for cooperation across borders, better digital security, and collective efforts to resist surveillance and technological control. The Congress also emphasised the importance of environmental reporting, urging the media to hold both corporations and governments accountable for their role in pollution and climate damage.

Throughout the Congress, one message resonated clearly: the defence of journalism is inseparable from the defence of democracy itself. As the world contends with disinformation, censorship, and political manipulation, the survival of a free press depends on its ability not only to withstand pressure but to reinvent itself and continue to speak truth to power.

Before closing the Congress, Al Jazeera Media Network Delegation presented a commemorative shield to the International Press Institute, represented by its Executive Director, Scott Griffen, in appreciation of the Institute’s inclusion of the issue of impunity and the need to prosecute the killers of journalists. Al Jazeera team also thanked the Institute for dedicating time on several occasions to discuss avenues of cooperation and ways to provide immediate assistance to journalists working in Gaza Strip