This will be an opportunity for us to see all delegates again after two years of pandemic, during which time it was not possible to convene the Executive Committee, our regional groups or the Gender Council.
In addition to the pandemic, which has had a heavy impact on our sector, the IFJ has been mobilised for months by the political crises in Afghanistan and Yemen and since 24 February by the war in Ukraine. In each case, journalists and media workers are paying a heavy price and our actions in these countries are focused on delivering practical solidarity in the face of humanitarian emergencies.
The economic and social crisis has been compounded by these disastrous human crises.
These issues will of course be discussed at length in Muscat, such as the International Convention on the Safety and Protection of Journalists at the United Nations, for which lobbying is actively ongoing, or the widespread surveillance use of the Israeli spy software Pegasus.
Congress will not only focus on these difficult issues, which are unfortunately all too real, but it will also highlight the trade union wins of our affiliates during a special session. Many of our unions and associations have continued to defend freedom of information, sign collective agreements, secure wage settlements and win landmark legal victories despite the global crises.
On behalf of the IFJ, for all the work that has been done on the ground over the past three years, we sincerely congratulate our activists and encourage others to continue their fight for the profession. This is the IFJ's DNA.
Anthony Bellanger
IFJ General Secretary