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March update
Welcome to the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s March update. This edition features exclusive insights into the workforce practices of some of the world’s leading companies, representing over 10 million employees across sectors. If you don’t regularly receive our newsletter, you can subscribe here.
New Survey Reveals Companies Lack Tools to Address AI’s Impact on the Workforce
Following the Workforce Disclosure Initiative’s (WDI) transfer to its new home at the Thomson Reuters Foundation earlier this year, the initiative has released the data from its latest survey on key trends in workforce practices.
This survey draws on disclosures in 2023 from 166 major companies headquartered in 20 countries, covering 10 million direct employees – with many more workers in supply chains.
For the first time, the WDI has also asked companies to disclose data on their preparation for the impact of Artificial Intelligence and the transition to a net-zero economy.
Key findings from report note that:
- Many companies are lacking the necessary data and strategies to address how global transformations, such as the shift towards AI and net-zero economies, will affect their workers.
- Diversity data collection, especially regarding race and ethnicity, is showing signs of regression.
- Around 1 in 5 companies (19%) can't accurately map their value chains, hindering efforts to improve working conditions and protect workers.
"This year’s report highlights a blind spot emerging in companies' reporting on their preparation for global transformations. As AI, automation and climate neutrality become an increasingly present part of our working lives, companies must plan for the future of their workforce."
~Red Godfrey-Sagoo, Director of Inclusive Economies at the Thomson Reuters Foundation
March highlights from across the Foundation
Inclusive Economies
There is growing recognition that food systems play a critical role in combating climate change, evidenced by their inclusion in discussions at COP28.
In an exclusive opinion article for our digital news platform, Context, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone addressed the critical and immediate need for systemic changes in our global food systems.
President Bio points out that our current food systems fail to provide healthy, affordable diets, contributing significantly to environmental degradation.
"Food production is now a primary source of environmental destruction, causing 90% of deforestation, 60% of biodiversity loss and 30% of greenhouse gases, whilst using 70% of our freshwater supply."
~ President Julius Maada Bio
Human Rights
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform our future. But how can we maximise its immense opportunities, whilst ensuring that equity and human rights are protected?
In early March, we delivered the second in a series of training programmes as part of our partnership with the Patrick J McGovern Foundation.
The programme aims to raise awareness and understanding of the potential human rights risks associated with AI across Africa and Latin America.
Taking place in Buenos Aires, the sessions brought together journalists and civil society organisations from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay to improve their ability to report and communicate on the human rights implications of AI.
Our global pro bono legal service, TrustLaw, in collaboration with the law firm ECIJA Centroamérica & Caribe, also provided legal workshops to deepen participants' understanding of AI regulations within the region.
Media Freedom
The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that the number of journalists killed and imprisoned in 2023 reached near-record highs. As levels of violence and intimidation against media professionals surge, recognition of their courage remains as vital as ever.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation and the Kurt Schork Memorial Fund are delighted to announce that entries are open for the 2024 Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism.
Now in its 23rd year, these Awards invite applications from freelance journalists, local reporters and news fixers around the world.
Named in memory of American freelance journalist Kurt Schork, who was killed in 2000 while on assignment for Reuters in Sierra Leone, the Awards recognise the bravery of journalists who take great personal risk, often for little reward, to shine a light on the truth and hold power to account.
The entry deadline is midnight (GMT) on Friday, May 31.
Discover more in our focus areas:
This month we recommend
READ | Gender discrimination in finance holds back women - and investment | Context
READ |The criminalisation of climate activists must stop now| Context
READ | Opinion: How Latin America-Caribbean region is tackling climate mobility | Context
READ | EU lawmakers adopt media freedom law |CPG
LISTEN| Could the Telegraph be bought by a Political Extremist | The News Agents
We are the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. We work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights.
