The recognition highlights three decades of contributions to excellence, training, and the strengthening of Iberoamerican journalism.
Miami (August 19, 2026) – The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) announces that it will present the Gabo Foundation of Colombia with the 2026 Great Friend of the Press Award, in recognition of its extraordinary contribution to journalistic excellence, professional training, and the strengthening of independent journalism in Latin America and the Ibero-American world.
Founded in 1994 by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez, the Gabo Foundation has established itself over more than three decades as a leading reference for editors and journalists. Through workshops, seminars, fellowships, festivals, awards, and professional exchange programs, it has consistently promoted ethics, rigor, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in journalism.
Based in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, the Foundation has preserved and carried forward García Márquez’s journalistic legacy while responding to the challenges of each era. Its work has helped foster new forms of storytelling, encourage reflection on the transformation of the media, and build collaborative networks among professionals throughout the region.
“For decades, the Gabo Foundation has represented a sustained commitment to journalism at its best: rigorous, independent, innovative, and deeply committed to society,” said IAPA President Pierre Manigault. “With this award, we seek to recognize not only its extraordinary work in training journalists, but also its ability to inspire generations of professionals and strengthen a field that is essential to democracy.”
The IAPA noted that the Foundation’s contribution is particularly relevant at a time of profound technological transformation and growing challenges to the credibility, sustainability, and independence of journalism. In this context, its programs and forums for reflection continue to promote best practices, innovation, and a professional culture centered on quality information and service to audiences.
The Great Friend of the Press Award is one of the IAPA’s institutional distinctions and recognizes organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the strengthening and development of journalism in Ibero-America.
The award ceremony will take place during the IAPA’s 82nd General Assembly, to be held October 22–25, 2026, at the Hilton Bogotá Hotel in Bogotá, Colombia.
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.
