The International Union of Journalists (IUJ) has announced the admission of Azerbaijan as a new member state. This step further strengthens the organization's growing global network, which focuses on press freedom, professional cooperation, ethical journalism, and solidarity among journalists around the world.

The inclusion of Azerbaijan represents another important milestone in the IUJ's international expansion. The organization continues to build bridges between journalists, media professionals, and press freedom advocates across continents. The IUJ was established through the joint efforts of journalists and media representatives from the Czech Republic, Mexico, Chile, Poland, Nepal, Pakistan, and Puerto Rico. It has gradually extended its international reach to include additional member states, among them Sri Lanka, Panama, Ecuador, Türkiye, Iran, and now Azerbaijan.

The International Union of Journalists, headquartered in Poland, was founded as an independent international platform. Its aim is to promote freedom of expression, media independence, journalists' rights, professional cooperation, ethical journalism, the safety and social security of journalists, as well as international dialogue and knowledge sharing among media professionals around the world.

IUJ representatives, in welcoming Azerbaijan to the organization, stated that every new member strengthens the collective voice of journalists at the global level and reaffirms the organization's commitment to independent journalism, professional solidarity, and international cooperation regardless of political, regional, or ideological differences.

"The growing participation of journalists and media representatives from various regions reflects the increasing importance of global unity in the journalism profession. The inclusion of Azerbaijan adds another important voice to our international family," the statement reads.

Earlier this month, the two-day International Media Congress organized by the International Union of Journalists was officially launched in Mexico. The event brought together journalists, media experts, and press freedom advocates from around the world to discuss key challenges facing the global media landscape today.

The Congress focused on crucial topics including press freedom, journalist safety, artificial intelligence in media, disinformation, and the future of digital journalism. Delegates from several countries engaged in panel discussions, workshops, and policy meetings aimed at strengthening international cooperation among journalists and media organizations.

The Congress concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration containing recommendations aimed at improving media freedom, strengthening journalist protection mechanisms, and promoting responsible journalism around the world. The second International Media Congress of this year is set to take place in September in Nepal.

The IUJ continues to collaborate with journalists, unions, media organizations, and professional networks around the world through consultations, congresses, joint initiatives, and advocacy activities. The primary goal of these efforts remains the defense of press freedom and the support of journalists across the global media landscape.

IFJ
International Federation of Journalists - IFJ
The International Federation of Journalists is the global voice of journalists. Founded in 1926, it is the world’s largest organisation of journalists, representing 600,000 media professionals in 187 unions and associations in more than 140 countries.