International Francophone Press Union


The International Francophone Press Union is a Francophone association of journalists. Founded in 1950, it is the world's oldest Francophone organisation,
and has more than 3,000 members in 110 countries.

History

The association was founded in 1950 in Limoges, France on the initiative of Canadian journalist Émile-Dostaler O'Leary, who served as the organisation's first president.
It formally changed its name from Union internationale des journalistes et de la presse de langue français to Union internationale de la presse francophone on October 24, 2001, at its 33rd meeting in Beirut, Lebanon.

Activities

The UPF's aim is to advance cooperation between the Francophone media of the world. Although initially a venue for French-speaking journalists to convene, over time the UPF became a professional union. It is an international nongovernmental organisation recognised by the European Parliament, La Francophonie, and the United Nations, among others.

Prix de la libre expression

In 1991, the association, in cooperation with La Francophonie, created the Prix de la libre expression.
The prize is awarded annually to journalists who remain objective despite harassment or persecution. Past recipients of the prize include Michel Auger, Le Rénovateur, and May Chidiac.

Leadership

As of August 2008, Alfred Dan Moussa of Côte d'Ivoire is the president of the UPF.