The International Publishers Association will add three new member associations—all from Eastern European nations—in January 2026, bringing its total membership to 107 associations spanning 85 countries. The announcement came following its virtual General Assembly, which wrapped up earlier today.
The Georgian Book Association and Latvian Publishers Association will join as provisional members, while the Bulgarian Book Association transitions from provisional to full member status. The additions come as IPA Secretary General José Borghino emphasized the need for collective action on policy challenges facing the global publishing industry.
"It is great to see IPA's membership continue to grow," Borghino said. "The policy challenges ahead need all of us to work together and share our different national and regional experiences."
The General Assembly confirmed election results for the organization's executive, membership, and freedom to publish committees. The leadership changes include several notable departures. Kristenn Einarsson of Norway stepped down from the freedom to publish committee after leading it for eight years, while Maxwell Wahome of Kenya and Dante Cid of Brazil left the membership committee, though Cid remains on the executive committee. Lawrence Njagi of Kenya, Christian Schumacher-Gebler of Germany, and Heidar Ingi Svansson of Iceland also left the executive committee.
In his final report to the General Assembly, Einarsson warned that conditions for publishing freedom have worsened during his time in the role. "Over the last eight years, we have seen the freedom to publish situation deteriorate and the challenges increase," Einarsson said. "We will need to redouble our efforts to secure this freedom for publishers."
The General Assembly featured two guest speakers: Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, assistant director-general for culture at UNESCO, and Nobel Prize winner Maria Ressa, author of How to Stand Up to a Dictator.
Ramirez emphasized the partnership between IPA and UNESCO in supporting cultural diversity and copyright protection, saying that the two organizations' collaboration "is a remarkable example of how multilateral partnerships can foster cultural vitality."
Ressa addressed publishers' role in defending free expression, referencing historical book banning campaigns. "There's a reason why fascist movements first killed that kind of free thinking that books can give you," she said. "Every person in that process has to have the courage to stand up."
The General Assembly also confirmed that the 2026 International Publishers Congress will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 5-9, 2026.
