Mexico City became a vibrant gathering place for authors’ organisations from across the globe as the International Authors Forum (IAF) convened for a full programme of meetings and events. Bringing together the IAF Annual General Meeting (AGM), a joint seminar with IFRRO, and IAF’s participation in the IFRRO Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) Committee meeting, the week created valuable opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and strategic planning.
This was also a milestone moment: the first time the IAF AGM has ever taken place in Latin America, reflecting IAF’s growing presence and deepening engagement across the region.
IAF Annual General Meeting 2026
The AGM welcomed new member organisations from across the world, expanding IAF’s diverse community of writers, visual artists, photographers, and other creators. Members reviewed the past year’s achievements and looked ahead to an ambitious programme of work focused on strengthening advocacy, increasing global visibility, and promoting fair conditions for authors everywhere.
A key moment of the meeting was the introduction of IAF’s new initiative to support authors across the African continent. Developed in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), which joined the AGM online to share further insights, the project represents an important step in empowering authors, strengthening creative ecosystems, and expanding professional opportunities. More updates will follow as the initiative develops.
Joint Seminar with IFRRO
Following the AGM, IAF and IFRRO co‑hosted a seminar that brought together experts from Latin America and beyond to explore three major topics currently shaping the global conversation on authors’ rights:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Participants highlighted the need for transparency, consent, and fair remuneration in the development and use of AI systems. Licensing emerged as a practical tool to support lawful use and balanced policy development.
- Artist’s Resale Right: Discussions reflected growing momentum in several countries toward systems that better recognise and reward visual artists. In Mexico, there is clear potential to simplify and strengthen the existing framework.
- Private Copying: Experts examined the challenges and opportunities for private copying systems in Latin America, emphasising the importance of transparent and efficient mechanisms aligned with international best practices.
Across all three topics, a shared message emerged: any future framework must be transparent, grounded in consent, and ensure fair treatment and proper compensation for creators, while keeping human creativity at its core.
IAF at IFRRO LAC
The IFRRO LAC meetings offered another valuable opportunity for exchange. Discussions focused on AI, licensing, collection and distribution systems, and technological solutions for collective management.
IAF had the opportunity to present its work at the international level and highlight its growing engagement in the Latin America and Caribbean region. This included updates on two ongoing regional networks, one for Latin America and one for the Caribbean, which meet quarterly to share experiences, identify common challenges, and work collaboratively toward practical solutions for authors and creators. IAF also emphasised its increasing presence at major book fairs across the region, where it continues to connect with local stakeholders, raise awareness of authors’ rights, and strengthen relationships within the creative community.
IAF extends its warm thanks to AMETLI, SOMAAP, SAOV, CeMPro, Sociedad de Autores y Compositores de México, and Directores México for their generous hospitality and support throughout the week.