More than 1,500 journalists, media executives, academics, policymakers and civil society leaders from over 100 countries have converged on Bonn, Germany, for the opening of the 2026 Deutsche Welle (DW) Global Media Forum, one of the world’s leading gatherings dedicated to media, democracy and global dialogue.
Held under the theme “Journalism Out Loud!”, this year’s forum opened at the historic auditorium of the former German Parliament, setting the stage for three days of discussions on the future of journalism in a rapidly changing information landscape.
Opening the forum, DW Director-General Barbara Massing challenged journalists and media organisations around the world to continue defending truth, accountability and democratic values at a time when misinformation, disinformation and declining trust in institutions pose significant challenges to the profession.
She stressed the importance of independent journalism in safeguarding democratic societies and ensuring that citizens have access to reliable information.
The 2026 Global Media Forum brings together participants from more than 100 countries to examine some of the most pressing issues facing the media industry, including artificial intelligence, press freedom, journalist safety, media sustainability, climate reporting and strategies for rebuilding public trust in news organisations.
Among the participants is Samuel Attah-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of Citi FM and Channel One TV, who is attending the forum as part of the international gathering of media leaders and practitioners.
His participation reflects the commitment of Citi FM and Channel One TV to global engagement and continuous learning in an era where journalism is undergoing profound transformation driven by technology, changing audience behaviour and evolving business models.
The forum provides a unique platform for media professionals to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore innovative approaches to journalism that can strengthen public discourse and democratic governance.
Over the years, the DW Global Media Forum has established itself as a major international meeting point for journalists, development experts, policymakers, technology leaders and civil society actors seeking solutions to some of the world’s most complex communication challenges.
As discussions begin in Bonn, the message from the opening ceremony was unmistakable: journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy and must continue to speak boldly, independently and with purpose in the face of growing global challenges.
About the DW Global Media Forum
Organised annually by Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster, the Global Media Forum is regarded as one of the world’s foremost conferences on media development, journalism and freedom of expression.
The event attracts participants from across continents and serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation within the global media community.
