> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://impact.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://impact.gfmd.info/meetings/2025/ffd4-follow-up/meeting-summary-and-next-steps.md).

# Meeting summary and next steps

### 1. Role of media in FFD4 implementation

Insights from the Sevilla conference were shared by Clare Cook (IMS):

* Although media was not a central focus, the outcome document now includes a reference to the media’s role in monitoring illicit financial flows — a key entry point for advocacy.
* Journalism entities could be positioned as micro and small enterprises, giving them access to new streams of viability support and local funding.
* Media can be framed as a tool for social cohesion and post-crisis rebuilding, with Syria cited as an example.

Non-traditional financing mechanisms (e.g., blended capital, de-risking, debt-for-development swaps) could be explored in relation to information integrity and public interest media.

{% hint style="success" %}
The Forum on Information and Democracy presented [a high-level statement](https://informationdemocracy.org/2025/09/22/press-release-a-global-call-from-leading-economists-urge-action-to-protect-public-interest-media-for-economic-prosperity-and-human-progress/) urging governments to recognise the economic value of investing in public interest media.
{% endhint %}

### 2. Media impact on exposing illicit financial flows

{% hint style="success" %}

[The Panama Papers](https://www.icij.org/investigations/panama-papers/) investigation demonstrated the economic value of investigative journalism, leading to 

[The Scam Empire project (OCCRP)](https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire) exposed global scam operations through shell companies, directly informing law enforcement and triggering policy discussions.

[The Thomson Reuters Foundation](https://www.trust.org/initiative/working-to-curb-illicit-financial-flows/) shared its long-term Sub-Saharan Africa programme, which trained and supported journalists investigating illicit financial flows, producing more than 700 impactful stories. Examples include:

* Investigations into smuggled medical equipment in Egypt, which led to procurement reforms.
* Exposés of misuse of public funds in Burkina Faso, prompting government oversight.
  {% endhint %}

Key lessons: cross-border collaboration is critical but resource-intensive; while financial impact is difficult to measure, qualitative evidence demonstrates accountability gains, policy reforms, and increased public awareness.

**More examples of coruption cases detected by media are avalable** [**here**](/meetings/2025/ffd4-follow-up/examples-of-corruption-cases-detected-by-media.md)**.** 

### 3. Advocacy and resource mobilisation

* Participants emphasised the need for stronger engagement with financial institutions and formal processes linked to FFD4.
* The Forum on Information and Democracy highlighted the importance of connecting advocacy statements with concrete policy commitments and funding reforms.
* Advocacy efforts should be tailored to philanthropies, development banks, and financial institutions, presenting journalism as both a democratic necessity and an economic investment.
* There was also a call for sustainable long-term funding models and greater support for journalism that covers gender and minority issues.

### 4. Next steps and collaboration opportunities

* Meeting conclusions will feed into the GFMD–DW Akademie side event at the Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Kuala Lumpur on November 21.
* There was broad agreement on the importance of continued collaboration across networks, sharing resources and advocacy statements widely, and identifying promising institutional processes to advance the Sevilla Commitment.
* Participants also agreed to focus on identifying formal processes and institutions for Sevilla implementation and to promote investigative journalism stories in upcoming campaigns.