July 16, 2026
Kabul — Ahmad Quraishi, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), has been re-elected to serve on the governing council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) for the 2026–2029 term. This marks his second consecutive term on the global network of organizations dedicated to defending freedom of expression.
The IFEX Secretariat announced the election results following the network’s Annual Meeting on July 16. In a statement, the Secretariat expressed gratitude to participating members and acknowledged all candidates who contested the election. “We’re proud to introduce the newly elected IFEX Council for 2026–2029: 13 leaders from member organizations across the globe, guiding our collective defense of freedom of expression and information over the next three years,” the statement read.
The organization also extended thanks to outgoing council members for their dedication and contributions to the network’s governance.
Quraishi, first elected to the council in 2023, was chosen alongside 12 other members for a three-year term that will conclude in 2029. This will be his final term. He previously served on the council’s governance committee.
In a statement, Quraishi expressed his appreciation: “I thank the member organizations for their renewed trust and support. Collaborating with committed colleagues from around the world to defend freedom of expression is truly inspiring, and I am eager to contribute to this vital work to the best of my ability.”
Quraishi has been a prominent advocate for media freedom in Afghanistan since beginning his journalism career in 2005. He has worked as a reporter and editor for various national and international outlets. In 2009, he founded AFJC, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and defending media independence and freedom of expression in Afghanistan.
The IFEX elected council members for the 2026–2029 term include:
- Sana Ali – Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)
- Shireen Al-Khatib – Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA)
- Lanre Arogundade – International Press Center (IPC)
- Yara Bader – Syrian Center for Media and Free Expression (SCM)
- Layal Bahnam – Maharat Foundation
- Nighat Dad – Digital Rights Foundation (DRF)
- Ashnah Kalemera – Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
- Leticia Kleim – Brazilian Association for Investigative Journalism (ABRAJI)
- Ruth Kronenberg – Free Press Unlimited (FPU)
- Ayaa Irene Lokang – Association for Media & Development in South Sudan (AMDISS)
- Kiran Maharaj – Trinidad & Tobago Publishers & Broadcasters Association (TTPBA)
- Babette Ngene – Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
Founded in 1992 in Montreal, Canada, IFEX unites over 100 organizations across more than 70 countries to promote and defend the fundamental right to freedom of expression. Since joining in 2013, AFJC has been an active member of this global coalition.