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December update
A message from our CEO, Antonio Zappulla
A very warm season's greetings to you all.
It has been another turbulent year. From the growing, global spread of ‘foreign agent laws’ to severe aid cuts that have left the non-profit sector reeling, it’s impossible to ignore the stark challenges that are facing the communities we serve.
Yet despite these difficult circumstances, I have found hope in the incredible work our global team at the Foundation has delivered in response.
As we close out 2025, I want to share some reflections on a year that has showcased the power of what we can achieve when we work together.
Three highlights stand out for me:
1. Adapting our 360° resilience model for civil society organisations
With half of the grassroots organisations in our network reporting increased legal needs in our new TRF Insights survey, we're now expanding our proven support model beyond newsrooms to help CSOs withstand these challenges. This holistic approach will include legal clinics, communications advice, financial planning, AI adoption training, and much more.
2. Launching the world's largest dataset on corporate AI adoption
Our AI Company Data Initiative (AICDI) now tracks data on 1,000 companies across 13 different sectors, revealing a concerning gap between AI ambition and governance on issues critical to the public interest. As AI re-shapes economies and the working lives of millions, insights from AICDI give companies the data and tools they need to govern it responsibly.
3. Bridging the AI gap through data-driven insights and practical training for journalists
Our first TRF Insights survey surveyed journalists from more than 70 countries in the Global South and found a striking disconnect between journalists who are using the technology and the amount of available training. In response, we provided practical resources and dedicated programmes to help strategically and ethically adopt AI.
I invite you to read my full year-in-review, where I share more highlights from the year and what we're planning for 2026.
Thank you all for your dedication to our mission. Together, we are making real strides towards freer, fairer, and more informed societies.
Wishing you all a restful holiday season.
-- Antonio Zappulla, CEO
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.
