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September update
Welcome to the Thomson Reuters Foundation's monthly newsletter!
Rebuilding democratic resilience: Join the conversation
This year's Trust Conference kicks off with a crucial and timely opening panel, "Democracy under siege: Upholding freedom in an autocratic age".
As autocratic leaders gain ground globally, world-renowned experts will discuss today's turbulent political landscape, charting a path forward to preserve fundamental rights and freedoms. We'll hear how civic engagement, transparent technology, and a renewed commitment to truth could transform institutions and reinvigorate democracy.
Speaker spotlights
David Runciman, Host of the Past Present Future Podcast
Should six-year-olds be given the vote?
In this interview, speaker David Runciman challenges us to envision democracy beyond its current form.
Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia
We are delighted to welcome Internet entrepreneur and Founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, to our opening panel.
With just 26 days to go, don't miss this opportunity to connect with changemakers who are transforming the greatest challenges of today into catalysts for democratic progress.
Discussions shaping this year's Trust Conference
Strengthening Independent Media
Every year, Trust Conference provides a space to hear from courageous and determined media professionals worldwide who continue to hold power accountable in an era of unprecedented challenges.
Speakers this year include CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists, Jodie Ginsberg, whistleblower Christopher Wylie, journalist Nevşin Mengü and Alsu Kurmasheva, Press Freedom Advocate.
From legacy media outlets adapting to engage younger audiences, to Global South newsrooms overcoming technological barriers; discover how media professionals are turning obstacles into opportunities.
Enabling Access to the Law
We will also examine how legal frameworks are both weaponised and defended across global contexts. Speakers include Senior President of Tribunals for the UK, Lord Justice Dingemans, and Deputy Chair of the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, Can Yeginsu.
Explore how AI is transforming judicial systems worldwide, and find out what role civil society can play in shaping a future where AI serves, rather than undermines, the principles of fairness and transparency in our courts.
Promoting Responsible Business
We will focus on the critical intersection of responsible business and technological innovation. Speakers include Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, Anne Bouverot, French President's Special Envoy for AI, and Martin Tisné, CEO of AI Collaborative.
Join industry leaders across diverse sectors to unpack how ethical AI implementation represents both a corporate responsibility and a strategic business advantage.
This month we recommend
📖 Read
- Foreign agent laws are spreading like wildfire and crippling NGOs - Antonio Zappulla | Devex
- How Gen Z toppled Nepal's government | Context
- Reporter’s Guide to Detecting AI-Generated Content | Global Investigative Journalism Network
📝 Apply
- Advancing Ethical and Strategic AI Adoption in Newsrooms Training | Thomson Reuters Foundation | Apply by 19th October
- Mozilla Festival | 7th- 9th November 2025, Barcelona, Spain
- Civicus International Civil Society Week | 1st-5th November 2025, Bangkok, Thailand
We are the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global content and technology company. We leverage our media, legal and data-driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, enable access to the law and promote responsible business.
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