2 July, 2020

Sydney to host 12th Global Investigative Journalism Conference

Vector illustration of hands holding microphones and recorders, journalism symbol

An Australian organisation dedicated to the advancement of the local investigative journalism profession has secured hosting rights for the pinnacle meeting of their peers.

The 12th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC 2021) was won for Sydney by the Judith Neilson Institute in partnership with BESydney, thanks to the support of the NSW government and the Tourism Australia Business Events Bid Fund Program.

GIJC21 will be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney next year from 3 November to 7 November.

The biennial Global Investigative Journalism Conferences are significant training events, featuring practical panels and workshops on the latest investigative techniques, data analysis, online research and cross-border collaboration by the best journalists in the field.

The conferences have trained over 8,000 journalists and resulted in the founding of investigative teams, non-profit newsrooms and headline-making stories around the world.

The last conference, GIJC19, was held in Hamburg, Germany, in September 2019.

Brant Houston, chair of the Global Investigative Journalist Network (GJIN) board, said: “We deeply appreciate the Judith Neilson Institute’s support during these uncertain times.

“This presents GIJN with a great opportunity to hold its first global conference in the APAC region.”

Mark Ryan, executive director of the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas, said GIJC21 would be an unparalleled opportunity for journalists from Australia and the Asia Pacific to learn techniques and skills from the best journalists in the world.

“It will also showcase the work of journalists from Australia and the Asia Pacific, and share their lessons and experiences with the global journalism community,” he said.

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres commended the Judith Neilson Institute on the win for Sydney.

“Excellence in journalism is fuelled by quality networks, and the GNIJ will provide this for Australian journalists on an industrial scale,” he said.

“With 60 per cent of the world’s population now based in the APAC region, and a strong performance in navigating a path through the social and economic challenges created by COVID-19, we welcome the world’s journalists to hear more about our region, and take those learnings back to their audiences at home.”

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said global meetings were a proven contributor to Australia’s knowledge economy, enabling participants to share knowledge, exchange approaches and build networks to fast-track industry development and social change.

“We have long advocated that the work we do assisting Australian subject matter experts like the Judith Neilson Institute to tell the stories of Australian smarts and capability on the global stage creates long-term social and economic impact,” she said.

“With the combined global audience of the GNIJ delegates reaching every corner of the globe, this is a tremendous opportunity for the Australian story to be told.”

Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Simon Birmingham, said that securing international events and conferences such as this would play an important role in the rebuilding of Australia’s tourism industry.

“This is a great win for Sydney and will provide the city with an opportunity to showcase its enviable tourism offerings and inspire some of the world’s top journalists,” Minister Birmingham said.

“Business events are a significant economic driver, providing a boost to businesses around Australia by helping to fill hotels, bars and restaurants.

“It is critical that we continue to attract conferences such as this one to maintain our reputation for being a world-class events destination and to ensure the long-term recovery of our tourism industry.”

Featured image source: iStock/rudall30

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BESydney GIJC 2021 Global Investigative Journalism Conference journalism journalists Judith Neilson Institute Sydney