7 December 2024 (Guadalajara, Mexico): The International Publishers Association (IPA) and the Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, designating MABOPA as the host of the 35th International Publishers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2026. The signing was witnessed by IPA Vice President Gvantsa Jobava, IPA Secretary General Jose Borghino, and MABOPA delegates during the 34th Congress. Two days later, at the closing ceremony, former IPA President Hugo Setzer handed the IPA flag to MABOPA, marking the official handover.
1 April 2025 (Bologna, Italy): The 35th International Publishers Congress, set for 5–9 July 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, had a successful soft launch at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. MABOPA and IPA appointed Bologna Children’s Book Fair (represented by Director Elena Pasoli) and Publishers Without Borders (represented by Simon de Jocas) as partners. Mr. Mingzhou Zhang was named the first Congress Ambassador to promote the event in China, with more ambassadors and partners to be appointed. IPA President Gvantsa Jobava and Secretary General Jose Borghino witnessed the MoU signing.
