Graeme Cosslett, president of PANZ and Director of NZCER Press, recently attended the 33rd International Publishers Congress, held over two very full days in Jakarta. He commented, “The theme ‘Reading Matters, Embracing the Future’ speaks to the urgent need for the whole publishing industry to recognise the importance of developing and sustaining a reading culture in order to protect our future, and for the greater good of the world we live in.
The presentations given included topics such as how technology affects freedom to publish, copyright AI and publishing, the path towards net zero with a sustainable publishing industry, accessibility in publishing, and mainstreaming diversity equity and inclusion in publishing.
For me, many of the presentations affirmed the strategy recently adopted by PANZ, particularly the actions we are taking in the areas of sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and building new capabilities to support a future focused, technology supported world of reading. Audiobooks, e-commerce, and social media marketing are have a significant role globally, and pleasingly – New Zealand is also making strides in these developments.
There were well over 600 participants, representing 63 countries and it was clear that for many, the real highlight was coming together to meet new and familiar faces, to network and to strengthen business connections with each other. I took a large bundle of business cards, but to have literally run out by the end of the congress was a sure sign of the many connections made.
Through various IPA committee meetings, I had previously met a number of people online via zoom and emails, but to talk in person makes such a difference. It was good to talk with Karine Pansa (IPA President elect), Gavantsa Jobava (IPA Vice-President elect), Jose Borghino, Olivier Borie, James Taylor (IPA staff), along with numerous Publisher Association Presidents, and international committee leads. Hugo Setzer who has previously visited NZ, is delighted to be leading the 2024 Congress which has been awarded to Mexico and will be held at the same time as their book fair. Hugo would love to see a group of New Zealand Publishers visit Mexico during 4-6 December 2024!”
