The International Federation of Journalists concluded its centenary congress in Paris with unprecedented Arab representation on its executive committee. Saudi Arabia secured its first-ever seat, joining Palestine, Oman, Bahrain and Tunisia among the 22 elected delegates. The newly elected president, Zuliana Lainez of Peru, became the first Latin American to lead the organization in its 100-year history, with nearly half of the committee now representing countries from the Global South.

Lainez described journalism as facing a 'challenging period,' highlighting the high number of journalists killed in conflict zones such as Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan. She called for accountability through international courts and stressed the federation’s duty to defend press freedom, labor rights and journalist safety worldwide.

During the congress, delegates passed a motion holding Israel accountable for war crimes against journalists in Lebanon and expressed solidarity with Lebanese media workers. The executive committee, elected from candidates representing more than 148 countries, will serve from 2026 to 2029 and help guide the federation’s global advocacy efforts.