Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — The country is rolling out the welcome mat for leaders of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) and international delegates arriving for the 81st General Assembly, set for October 16–19 at The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club. Over four days, journalists, editors, and media executives from across the Americas will tackle the most pressing issues shaping the industry: freedom of the press, newsroom sustainability, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.
High-Profile Opening Session
The inaugural ceremony on October 16 will feature Dominican President Luis Abinader and Laura Gil, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS). They will be joined by José Roberto Dutriz, IAPA president and CEO of La Prensa Gráfica (El Salvador), underscoring the Assembly’s strategic weight for media and democracy in the hemisphere.
What’s on the Agenda
Participants will:
- Review country-by-country press freedom reports covering 24 nations in the region
- Join panels and workshops on innovation, digital transformation, and resilient business models
- Debate the role of independent media in safeguarding democratic institutions
- Examine the opportunities and risks of AI in reporting, verification, and distribution
From combating disinformation to financing quality journalism, the program is designed to deliver practical insights and actionable strategies for newsrooms of all sizes.
Celebrating Excellence: 2025 IAPA Awards
The Assembly will conclude with the IAPA Awards for Journalistic Excellence 2025, honoring standout contributions across the Americas. Among the distinctions:
- Chapultepec Grand Prix: Thomson Reuters Foundation
- Grand Prize for Press Freedom: Daniel Coronell (Univisión Noticias)
- Great Friend of the Press: Redacciones5G
- Executive of the Year: René Picado Cozza, president of Teletica (Costa Rica)
These recognitions highlight innovation, courage, and leadership at a time when journalism faces mounting political and economic pressures.
Why Punta Cana Matters for the Media
Hosting the IAPA Assembly positions Punta Cana as a hub for regional dialogue on media freedom and sustainability. The destination’s world-class infrastructure provides an ideal setting for cross-border collaboration—linking newsroom leaders, policy makers, and tech innovators.
About the IAPA
Headquartered in Miami, the Inter-American Press Association represents more than 1,300 media organizations throughout the Western Hemisphere. Its mission: defend and promote freedom of the press and freedom of expression across the Americas.
