GlobalFact in Sarajevo: Registration is now open for the world’s largest fact-checking summit

Topics such as artificial intelligence, public policies and sustainability will be discussed.

Hundreds of fact-checkers working to uphold the industry’s highest standards of excellence will convene at the Dom Mladih in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from June 26-28, 2024, for the 11th GlobalFact Fact-Checking Summit.

This annual gathering of the world’s fact-checking community is presented by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), which was launched in 2015 by the Poynter Institute. The conference in Sarajevo is organized by Poynter in partnership with the Association of Citizens and Citizens “Zašto ne”, an organization that runs two prominent fact-checking newsrooms, Istinomjer and Raskrinkavanje.

“Our community is working together to tackle a range of challenges this year: worldwide elections; the rise of artificial intelligence; protecting free expression, and fostering information integrity on the internet and in the real world. Our meeting in Sarajevo will allow us to share best practices and encouragement,” said Angie Drobnic Holan, director of the IFCN. 

Attendees will explore opportunities to advance their fact-checking operations through expert-led discussions, interactive training and networking events. Guests will also hear about the past, present and future of fact-checking in the Balkans and delve into themes such as war propaganda and state-sponsored disinformation.

“Our region is uniquely positioned to provide valuable perspectives on many of the ‘hot topics’ that will be covered in this year’s GlobalFact,” said Tijana Cvjetićanin, head of fact-checking at Zašto ne. “Those range from the most nefarious types of disinformation campaigns and war-mongering narratives that we witnessed four decades ago, to the very contemporary problems of inauthentic content and fraudulent practices online, digital and information literacy, or the fast-developing trends in digital regulatory and self-regulatory models. I am excited about sharing those perspectives that have global relevance and will certainly contribute to fruitful discussions, knowledge and experience-sharing in the community.”

Those interested in hearing a variety of perspectives about specific topics can focus their experience through tracks including reporting and editing, sustainability, public policy, artificial intelligence and technology, media literacy, and research and political science.

According to Poynter, verified signatories to the IFCN Code of Principles will also have exclusive access to members-only sessions to share best practices on universal challenges facing fact-checkers today such as working with platforms, protecting independence and database control. 

Each day also will feature a keynote address from globally renowned leaders with expertise in areas such as journalism, technology and politics. The lineup of speakers will be announced in the spring. Last year’s keynote speakers included investigative journalist Jessikka Aro, Seoul National University professor Dr. Eun-Ju Lee and Twitter’s (today’s X) former head of trust and safety Yoel Roth. 

Tickets can be purchased at globalfact11.com, with discounts available to IFCN signatories. Individuals who cannot physically attend the conference can purchase a virtual ticket to watch selected sessions.

For more information, visit globalfact11.com or email [email protected].