President of WAN-IFRA, Jacob Mathew, (R), alongside delegates from local newspapers, addresses the 65th World Newspaper Congress at a hotel in Bangkok on June 2, 2013. More than 1,000 publishers, editors and other figures from the media gathered for the World Newspaper Congress taking place between June 2-5. AFP/ PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL
BANGKOK, Thailand — The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) formally opened here Monday to pomp and pageantry as over 1,000 delegates from media organizations worldwide attended the annual event.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Kittirat Na Ranong welcomed the participants with his opening address focusing on the challenge of new technology and accountability of freedom of the press.
The June 2-5 event also brought together for the first time the 65th World Newspaper Congress, the 20th World Editors Forum and the 23rd World Advertising Forum.