The International Publishers Association (IPA) is the largest and oldest global body representing the interests of book and journal publishers. Its 81 members in 69 countries are chiefly national, regional and specialist publishers associations. Established in 1896, the IPA's mission is to raise awareness of publishing as a force for economic, cultural and democratic development. The IPA has dual industry and human rights mandates, challenging censorship and promoting copyright, freedom to publish, literacy and accessibility to reading materials around the world.