The Crown prince of Spain, Prince Felipe of Asturias told delegates to the World Congress of the International Federation of Journalists( IFJ) meeting in Cadiz that there is a need for credible information to help the public make sense of a complex world. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the IFJ World Congress in Cadiz, Prince Felipe said:

"Society needs reference and looks to the press to make sense of the complex world we live in to dispel our fears."

He paid tribute to journalists who have been killed and their colleagues around the world who continue to face harassment and imprisonment because of their work. Prince Felipe also welcomed the role of the press during the global crisis and the transformation within the media industry.

"Media is going through transformation but journalists and their organisations have continued to inform the public guided by their personal and professional commitment to the truth," he said.

The President of the host organisation, the Press Association of Cadiz, Fernando Santiago called for better protection of journalists who are deliberately targeted in many parts of the world.

"There must be zero tolerance for violence against media which has claimed so many lives of colleagues around the world," he said.

The IFJ President, Jim Boumelha who was re-elected for a second term thanked the host, the Spanish government and delegates for a successful Congress and pledged that the IFJ will double its efforts in tackling the many challenges facing journalism in current difficult times.

‘'There can be no doubt that difficult times lie ahead but we must provide clear leadership to secure the future of journalism.''

The IFJ World Congress adopted a working programme for the coming three years and elected members of its administrative and Executive Committees.

For more information, please contact:

Ernest Sagaga ( French and English) : + 32 477 71 4029

Paco Audije (Spanish)                        :  +34 671609333

Monir Zaarour( Arabic)                       : +32 472587690

The IFJ represents over 600.000 members in 125 countries worldwide