The international conference will be hosted by the team of the Erich Brost Institute for International Journalism (EBI) at TU Dortmund University, led by Prof. Dr. Susanne Fengler. With more than 15 years of experience in organizing large-scale international media projects and conferences, the EBI brings extensive expertise, strong global partnerships, and a proven track record of professional conference management.

WJEC 2028 will take place in the historic premises of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), located directly at the Gendarmenmarkt – widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in the heart of Berlin. The venue offers an inspiring setting for dialogue among journalism educators from around the world.

The congress will focus on the theme: "Journalism Education in Times of Geopolitical Change."

At a time when authoritarianism is on the rise globally and spaces of freedom for journalism and journalism education are shrinking, journalism schools and universities increasingly serve as safe havens for discussing professional standards, ethics, and independence.

Through keynote speeches, panels, and roundtable discussions with journalism educators from across the globe, WJEC 2028 will address pressing questions: How can journalism education remain professional and independent in times of democratic backsliding and growing political pressure? How can we protect universal norms and professional standards? And how can journalism education prepare the next generation of media professionals for rapidly changing geopolitical realities?

The program will reflect the global dimensions of these challenges, including perspectives from the Global North and South, issues of press freedom, ethics, digitalization, innovation, and international collaboration.

Berlin, a major European hub with excellent international connectivity via Berlin Brandenburg Airport and high-speed rail links, provides ideal conditions for global participation. A wide range of affordable accommodation options – from international hotels to hostels – are available close to the conference venue. 

Supported by a broad network of international partners and journalism organizations, WJEC 2028 promises to become a key forum for strengthening global dialogue among journalism educators at a crucial moment for democracy and media worldwide.