WAPOR Council Releases the 2024 Annual Report

WAPOR Council is pleased to release our forth annual report to the membership. The 2024 Annual Report of WAPOR documents key organizational activities, structural developments, and statistical outcomes over the past calendar year. It highlights membership growth, conference outcomes, committee work, regional chapter activities, and financial performance, with a focus on institutional reforms and operational challenges.

In 2024, WAPOR reached a record high of 1,010 members, including 648 WAPOR-only individual members, 178 chapter-only members, 99 joint members, 25 organizational members, and 60 Friends of WAPOR. A new membership platform was launched to streamline registration and enhance services. Regional membership drives were conducted across all four WAPOR chapters: Asia Pacific, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and West Asia & North Africa.

The 77th WAPOR Annual Conference, held jointly with the 7th WAPOR Asia Pacific Conference in Seoul, Korea, marked the organization’s first fully integrated global-regional event. The conference featured 394 paper submissions, over 60 sessions, and 358 attendees from 51 countries. Workshops, keynote events, and thematic discussions aligned with the conference theme: “The Soul of Public Opinion Research: Liberty, Quality, and Humanity.”

WAPOR’s regional chapters expanded their activities in 2024. The Sub-Saharan Africa Chapter held its inaugural conference in Mombasa, Kenya. The Latin America Chapter hosted six webinars and prepared for its 2025 Congress. The West Asia and North Africa Chapter conducted regional surveys and organized high-profile webinars, including one on public opinion regarding the Gaza conflict. The Asia Pacific Chapter co-hosted the Seoul conference and held elections for its executive committee.

WAPOR launched the Policy Forum in July 2024 as a platform for members to provide input on future priorities. A leadership transition occurred in late 2024 due to the resignation of the Vice President/President-Elect. The situation was resolved through an open consultation and Council action, resulting in the early appointment of a new President and the creation of a task force to review the Constitution.

WAPOR’s finances remained stable. As of December 31, 2024, total financial assets stood at $491,523.86. The organization reported a positive surplus for the year. Revenue was primarily generated from membership dues, conference income, and journal profit shares. WAPOR implemented new investment and conflict-of-interest policies and introduced a structured award funding mechanism.

The Education Committee organized 11 webinars and training workshops, with topics ranging from cross-cultural surveys to public opinion on climate change. Accessibility was improved through translated captions. The Publications Committee launched the Spotlight Interview series and began revising transparency and data-sharing policies. The International Journal of Public Opinion Research (IJPOR) maintained consistent submissions and an impact factor of 1.90.

The report concludes with updates from each committee and regional chapter, outlining ongoing projects and future goals. It reflects WAPOR’s continued operational growth, enhanced member engagement, and commitment to improving the global practice of public opinion research through institutional development and international collaboration.