Support for independent media and access to information through GFMD

  • November 23, 2016
GFMD jarkarta

In January 2015, the Government of Flanders hosted a GFMD-coordinated debate with Syrian journalists who were invited to Brussels to discuss the state of independent media in Syria and the role of civil society in mitigating the conflict.

Following this successful cooperation, Minister-President Bourgeois decided to launch a full-fledged partnership with GFMD by according a grant of 100.000 euro. The Government of Flanders supports GFMD in its work for independent media as they are essential for the creation of an environment in which viable democracies worldwide can be (re)built. This grant will enable GFMD to further enhance its activities towards the eastern borders of Europe as well as in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.

GFMD, a Brussels-based non-profit organization, is a network of 220 NGOs which support the development of free, fair and independent media worldwide. It's clear GFMD has campaigned at the highest levels to ensure that the new UN Sustainable Development Goals include a target on public access to information. GFMD is also involved in coordination processes among its members about the most pressing issues in the field of journalistic assistance.

“We are grateful for the Government of Flanders' trust. Thanks to their support, the GFMD is able to develop its activities in support of media development and access to information, and to strengthen its network in Europe's southern and eastern neighboring countries. In a period where disinformation and information bubbles have direct impact on our societies, it has never been so important to reinforce the space for public debate, reliable news and information literacy,” said Ayman Mhanna, GFMD Executive Director.

Global Forum for Media Development