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July update
Welcome to the Thomson Reuters Foundation's monthly newsletter!
Introducing: Uprising - a new Context documentary series
Take a look at our powerful new documentary series, published today on our digital media platform, Context, which explores how gig workers are innovating new paths in a precarious labour landscape whilst continuing to battle for their rights. This series, produced in collaboration with Rest of World and Resolution Seven, follows the lives of gig workers across Vietnam, India, South Africa, and Mexico.
The first episode focuses on the women workers of Urban Company, a home services app that once symbolised economic independence for many in India, but is now accused of stripping away its workers flexibility and autonomy.
Trust Conference - the future global governance of AI
AI technologies are creating a new generation of products and services. However, these raise important considerations and concerns surrounding ethical development, deployment, and regulation.
As this technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, the need for coordinated global governance has become urgent to ensure that responsible and trustworthy practices underpin this new era of business.
These issues will be discussed at our annual global forum, Trust Conference, by Gabriela Ramos, Eileen Donahoe, and Mark Surman, who will be assessing the geopolitical risks associated with developments in AI and exploring potential solutions.
These world-leading experts join over 40 renowned speakers in October, as we examine the ethical challenges of AI’s integration into the corporate sector, and the role that responsible business can play in the wake of global transformations. Trust Conference will also explore innovative strategies to defend media freedom and address challenges to global democracy, with speakers including Nobel Laureate, Maria Ressa, and renowned journalist, Kara Swisher.
Join us on 22-23 October at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London. Tickets are free. If you haven't already registered, please apply for your place now.
📅 22 October 2024 – 23 October 2024
📍 Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London
Please note that places are limited and tickets are therefore not guaranteed. We will contact you by email to confirm if your application has been successful.
July highlights from across the Foundation
Enabling Access to the Law
Britain's new Labour government has said it will uphold a ban on puberty-blocking medication for trans and gender-diverse children who wish to transition. England's National Health Service ended the routine provision of puberty blockers for children with gender dysphoria on 1st April.
The ban is currently being challenged in the high court by rights campaigners, who say it risks the safety of trans youth. Read our Context investigation into why puberty blockers are in the spotlight and the potential implications for LGBTQ+ rights.
Strengthening Independent Media
In the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, President Biden’s resignation, and the upcoming Democratic convention, political tensions in the United States are rising. Campaign activities, debates and rallies in the run-up to November all carry with them the potential for public demonstration.
Journalists play a critical role in covering political events and protests, encouraging public debate and participation in the democratic process around the world, but they can often face intimidation, hostility and even arrest.
The Thomson Reuters Foundation, in collaboration with the Committee to Protect Journalists, has published an updated guide for journalists on their legal rights when covering protests in the US. Developed through our pro bono service, TrustLaw, with contributions from leading legal experts, the guide equips journalists with on-the-go information on everything from carrying press credentials to understanding their rights.
Responsible Business
After an initial exemption, Myanmar's women are now being forcibly recruited into the military.
In light of this, Context investigated the impacts of forced conscription on young women and girls.
The military call-up comes on top of an economic crisis that has sent the currency spiralling and disproportionately impacted women. With men also being conscripted, many women are now left with no one to earn an income for their households.
"There is no safe place for women and girls...they have to survive in risky situations." - Moon Nay Li, Women’s League of Burma
Discover more in our focus areas:
Strengthening Independent Media | Responsible Business | Enabling Access to the Law
This month we recommend
- READ: Paris Olympics 2024: Where are the women coaches? | Context
- READ: Attacks, arrests, threats, censorship: The high risks of reporting the Israel-Gaza war | Committee to Protect Journalists
- READ: 2024 Social Benchmark | World Benchmarking Alliance
- READ: Q&A: How Open Source Evidence Is Challenging Abuses, Atrocities, and Disinformation | Open Society Foundations
- LISTEN: Can the climate survive AIs thirst for energy? | Science Weekly – The Guardian
We are the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. We leverage our media, legal and data-driven expertise to strengthen independent journalism, enable access to the law and promote responsible business.
