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In a time of unprecedented global challenges to civic freedoms and human rights, the Thomson Reuters Foundation is set to host its annual Trust Conference on October 21-22 in London. The flagship forum, which will be free to attend this year, brings together a diverse array of influential voices to address critical issues facing society today.
Against a backdrop of increasing restrictions on civil liberties worldwide, the two-day event at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre will feature panels, spotlight sessions, and exclusive fireside chats focused on the global clampdown on civic space and the complex impact of artificial intelligence on society.
This year’s speaker lineup features prominent figures from various fields, including Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia, who has long championed collaborative access to information and transformed how knowledge is shared online. He will be joined by political scientist David Runciman, known for his analysis of how technology and AI are reshaping democratic governance.
The conference will also welcome Alsu Kurmasheva, an American-Russian journalist with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty who was detained in Russia in 2023 and released in 2024 as part of a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange. Her firsthand experience highlights the growing threats to press freedom internationally.
Civil rights attorney Chase Strangio, who serves as Deputy Director for Transgender Justice at the ACLU, will bring insights from his work leading landmark legal battles for transgender rights at a time when such rights face increasing legislative challenges in many regions.
Data scientist and Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Christopher Wylie is also scheduled to speak, bringing his perspective on data ethics, privacy concerns, and the need for accountable AI systems – issues that have gained significant traction since his revelations about Facebook data misuse.
The journalism and academic world will be represented by Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School and staff writer at The New Yorker, recognized for his analysis of race, politics, and American history.
From the technology governance sector, Anne Bouverot will participate as France’s Special Envoy leading the 2025 Global AI Summit. Her experience as Chair of the Board of École Normale Supérieure and co-founder of Foundation Abeona positions her to address responsible AI development and digital governance frameworks.
Rounding out the announced speakers is Sigrid van Aken, CEO of Postcode Lottery Group, who oversees one of the world’s largest charity lotteries funding climate action, human rights initiatives, and social innovation projects.
The first day will focus on the challenging landscape for civil society organizations, which are increasingly facing threats ranging from foreign aid cuts to coordinated lawfare attacks and smear campaigns. Special attention will be given to the growing phenomenon of newsrooms forced into exile – a trend that reflects deteriorating press freedoms globally. Participants will collaborate on strategies to counter these threats.
On day two, the conference will explore AI’s transformative potential for positive change, including its capacity to scale newsroom innovation in the Global South, improve access to justice for marginalized communities, and create more efficient supply chains. However, discussions will also address the technology’s inherent risks to human rights and environmental sustainability.
The event will conclude with a timely examination of whether philanthropic organizations can effectively fill the widening funding gaps created by government foreign aid reductions – a question with significant implications for humanitarian work worldwide.
As civil society faces mounting pressure globally and technological change accelerates, the Trust Conference aims to provide a platform for informed dialogue and collaborative solutions to these interconnected challenges.
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8 Comments
Making the Trust Conference free to attend is a commendable move, as it will allow for greater participation and diverse perspectives. I look forward to seeing the outcomes and recommendations from this important gathering.
This conference comes at a critical time for civil society. Addressing the complex interplay of disinformation, legal challenges, and funding cuts is vital. I hope the discussions lead to meaningful actions to support civic freedoms.
The detention of journalist Alsu Kurmasheva in Russia is a sobering reminder of the threats faced by those reporting on sensitive issues. I’m interested to learn more about her experience and the Conference’s discussion on press freedom.
Artificial intelligence’s impact on democratic governance is a crucial topic. I’m glad the Conference will explore this, as it’s important to understand both the risks and potential solutions.
It’s good to see prominent figures like Jimmy Wales and David Runciman participating in the Trust Conference to address disinformation and its impact on democratic governance. Their expertise will be valuable.
Agreed, their participation is encouraging. I hope the conference can shed light on effective ways to combat the spread of disinformation and protect civil liberties.
This is a troubling report on the challenges facing civil society. The erosion of civic freedoms and funding cuts are deeply concerning. I’m curious to hear the insights and solutions proposed at the Trust Conference.
The global clampdown on civic space is a deeply troubling trend. I’m curious to hear how the Conference plans to tackle this issue and empower civil society to overcome the various obstacles it faces.