DW Global Media Forum 2026 Begins in Bonn Amid Calls for Press Freedom

More than 1,400 journalists, media professionals, and representatives from over 100 countries have gathered in Bonn, Germany, for the DW Global Media Forum 2026, an international conference dedicated to promoting press freedom and independent journalism.

The two-day forum, organized by Deutsche Welle (DW) under the theme “Fearless, Outspoken Journalism,” opened on Tuesday at Germany’s former parliamentary building in Bonn. Despite an ongoing heatwave across Germany, with temperatures ranging between 32°C and 39°C, participants from around the world have convened to discuss the challenges and future of journalism.

Among the invited guests is Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, who is attending the conference and participating in discussions with media leaders and journalists from across the globe.

The forum focuses on defending freedom of expression, promoting courageous truth-telling, and addressing growing threats to media freedom worldwide. Discussions throughout the event will explore the challenges facing journalists, including digital security risks, censorship, harassment, and physical attacks.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Barbara Massing, Director General of Deutsche Welle, said that independent journalism is facing significant challenges in the current global environment. She emphasized that journalists are being persecuted in many parts of the world and stressed the need to ensure their safety in order to protect press freedom.

Nathaniel Liminski, Media Minister of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, also addressed the gathering.

According to information published on the forum’s website, the 19th edition of the conference features more than 160 speakers across over 50 sessions. Participants will discuss key issues affecting media and journalism, challenge conventional thinking, build international networks, and amplify voices that are often overlooked.

The program includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, breakout sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Organizers say the forum aims to provide valuable insights into current and emerging trends shaping the future of journalism and media worldwide.

The event is supported by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office, the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia, the International Dialogue Foundation of Sparkasse Bonn, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, and the City of Bonn.