Farewell Speech of IAPA Presidency, José Roberto Dutriz

As I address you today, at the close of my term as president of the IAPA, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride—gratitude for the honor of having represented you throughout this year of work, and pride in all that we have achieved together in defense of press freedom and our peoples’ right to be informed.

On October 20, 2024, I assumed the presidency of the IAPA in Córdoba, Argentina, and I said then: “The challenge of defending and promoting press and expression freedoms continues to be the duty and mission of our organization.” I would now add that, in these turbulent times filled with countless challenges, that mission is even more urgent. Today, it is also my turn to pass the baton to a colleague whom I know will continue this great task.

Serving as president of the IAPA has been one of the greatest responsibilities—and at the same time, one of the greatest privileges—of my professional life.

Throughout this year, we faced enormous challenges. Violence against journalists continues to claim lives; stigmatization and censorship, both direct and digital, continue to spread in various nations; and disinformation distorts public debate and weakens trust in the media. Yet, we have also witnessed the strength of our solidarity and the ability of our organization to respond with unity and determination.

I can proudly say that the IAPA has not remained silent. We have clearly denounced every abuse, stood by persecuted colleagues, raised our voices before governments and international organizations, and defended—without hesitation—the principles that define us. In every statement, every mission, every declaration, we reaffirm something essential: press freedom is not a privilege of journalists; it is the right of all citizens.

Throughout this year, we have strengthened alliances and expanded training spaces for journalists working in digital and secure environments. But beyond the projects, what we have truly reinforced is the inter-American spirit of cooperation and mutual defense that distinguishes us.

None of this would have been possible without the commitment and dedication of each of you. I must thank my colleague Gabriela Vivanco, chair of the Executive Committee, for her ongoing decision-making on key organizational matters; and Carlos Jornet, formerly, and since April Martha Ramos, chairs of the Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information, for shaping the public face of the organization.

I also thank all the chairs of the committees and subcommittees for their time and dedication: Nuria Piera, Andrea Miranda, Juan Lorenzo Holmann, Miguel Henrique Otero, Jorge Canahuati, Luciano Pascoe, Pablo Deluca, María Lorente, Gustavo Mohme, Martín Etchevers, Michael Greenspon, Sebastián Pastor, Roberto Rock, Graciela Rock, Ernesto Kraiselburd, Gilberto Urdaneta, Laura Puertas, Daniel Dessein, Juan Francisco Ealy Lanz-Duret, Armando Castilla, Matthew Sanders, and Andrés Mompotes.

I would also like to express a special acknowledgment to Juan Pablo Illanes, who, after many years of commitment and dedication to the IAPA, has decided to conclude his tenure as Treasurer. On behalf of the organization, I want to extend my deep gratitude for his exemplary contribution. His work—always guided by integrity, calm leadership, and a genuine spirit of service—has left a meaningful mark on our institution. His dedication has significantly strengthened the IAPA, and we look forward to continuing to share his friendship and support in this new stage.

And especially, I thank Executive Director Carlos Lauría for his leadership in every detail of our many activities, in the vital search for financial resources, and in building strategic alliances with various partners to advance the organization’s projects.

Many thanks as well to the Host Committee for the impeccable organization of this assembly in such a paradisiacal setting here in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to Persio Maldonado, Miguel Franjul, Aníbal De Castro, Nuria Piera, Manuel Ramón Tapia, and Alba Nely Familia.

I also want to recognize the IAPA staff, who, under the leadership of Carlos Lauría, work from different locations in coordination to support the organization’s efforts. They are Paola Dirube, Martha Estrada, Horacio Ruiz, Mariana Belloso, Julieta Long, Ana María Pérez, and Melba Jiménez.

To each of you, my deepest thanks.

In this time, I have learned that the defense of press freedom is, above all, a moral act of resistance. We have seen how journalists and media outlets, even in the most adverse circumstances—under threat, in exile, under censorship—continue to do their work with dignity and courage. They are our inspiration and the reason for the IAPA’s existence.

The history of our institution is marked by names, events, and sacrifices that remind us that freedom is never inherited—it is conquered and defended every single day. Today, more than ever, we must reaffirm our commitment to the principles that have guided us for more than eight decades.

As I bid farewell to the presidency, I want to make it clear that I will remain an active member of this family that never gives up. Because the struggle for press freedom has no end—it has successors. And today, I am glad to pass this torch to firm, steady, and committed hands: those of Pierre Manigault, to whom I wish the greatest success in this new stage.

To you, Pierre, I offer my full support and confidence. I know that under your leadership, the IAPA will continue to stand as a beacon of press freedom across the hemisphere.

Friends, we live in a time when information is power—but it is also responsibility. It is in our hands to defend the right of citizens to receive truthful, diverse, and pressure-free information. That is the mission that unites us and gives our work meaning.

Let us remember that a society without a free press is a society without memory, without accountability, and without a future. That is why, as long as there is even one voice willing to tell the truth, hope will remain alive.

Allow me also to express, in a very special way, my gratitude to my family for their unconditional support and understanding, and for sharing with me this year of intense work and commitment.

Thank you very much for your trust. Let us continue defending—together—the most valuable thing we have, freedom of expression.

My deepest thanks, Dominican Republic, and a warm embrace to you all.