Foreign Correspondents’ Club South Asia to Host Int’l Press Summit this Year

New Delhi, India – In a significant affirmation of its global standing, the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) of South Asia will host the annual meeting of the International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC) this year and proudly assume the presidency from the London Press Club. The announcement was made by veteran journalist Dr. Waiel Awwad in his first official message to members after being elected President of the club.

Calling it a “significant step in reaffirming our club’s rightful place as a global voice for the press,” Dr. Awwad underscored the importance of restoring FCC South Asia’s leadership on the international media stage. The club’s upcoming presidency of the IAPC is expected to bring together press clubs and media representatives from across continents to New Delhi later this year, positioning the FCC as a hub of global journalistic dialogue.

In a heartfelt Note of Gratitude addressed to members, Dr. Awwad said he was “deeply honored and humbled” by the trust placed in him. He described his election not merely as a personal honor but as a “collective victory” for the entire community and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to press freedom, professionalism, and unity.

He extended sincere appreciation to the outgoing President and the previous team for their dedicated service, noting that their efforts had laid a strong foundation for the club’s continued growth. Congratulating his fellow elected team members, Dr. Awwad expressed his desire to work alongside them with integrity and a clear sense of purpose.

Looking ahead, Dr. Awwad outlined a vision anchored in transparency, inclusivity, and active member engagement. Among his key priorities are enhancing communication with members by providing timely updates about events and decisions to ensure greater participation.

He emphasized the need to preserve the integrity of the club’s membership by ensuring that authentic foreign correspondents and professional journalists remain central to its identity.

He also spoke about transforming the club’s environment into a more vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring space for dialogue, creativity, and collaboration. Another priority is to encourage member-led initiatives that allow individuals to propose and shape club activities, enriching the overall programming. Dr. Awwad reaffirmed the club’s role as a staunch defender of press freedom and ethical journalism. He added that a renewed international outreach would be central to restoring the FCC’s historic global role.

Calling on members to join in shaping this new chapter, Dr. Awwad noted, “We are committed to making this a landmark year of progress and unity, and I invite every member to play an active role.” With an ambitious agenda and international responsibilities ahead, the FCC South Asia under Dr. Awwad’s leadership is poised to strengthen its legacy as both a professional haven and a global platform for free and ethical journalism.