Current and past members of the Global Forum for Media Development’s Steering Committee and Secretariat pay tribute to Leon Willems as he announces his departure from Free Press Unlimited after 14 years
| 26. November 2024
Leon served as Chairperson of the Global Forum for Media Development for four years after he was elected by members in 2012.
He guided GFMD through a period of huge challenges and notable achievements.
It was under Leon’s leadership that our community came together to call for Access to Information to be included in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Since then SDG16 has been foundational in placing media freedom and journalism at the centre of the broader development agenda.
This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that GFMD had a far smaller Secretariat than it does today, nor did the organisation have a full-time Executive Director during this period.
Leon went above and beyond what would normally be expected of the Chair of the Forum.
We acknowledge and thank Leon’s colleagues and board members at Free Press Unlimited for allowing him to dedicate himself to his role as GFMD chair during this period.
It is without doubt that without Leon’s energy and FPU’s forbearance, GFMD would not be in such good standing today.
Steering Committee election during GFMD’s 2016 Jakarta World Forum for Media Development
As Leon transitions into a new chapter, we find ourselves filled with immense gratitude for the years of exceptional leadership, dedication, and inspiration he gave to Free Press Unlimited and the broader media development sector.
Leon’s departure marks the end of an era but also stands as a moment to celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
He brought wise counsel, and a willingness to push forward, even when the path was uphill.
Leon reminded us all that while progress may sometimes come in small steps, it is always worth the fight.
On behalf of the GFMD Steering Committee and the GFMD Secretariat, thank you Leon for your personal friendship over the years and the immeasurable impact you’ve had on the field as a whole.
Leon’s work has been nothing short of transformative, and his legacy is already inspiring the next generation of leaders in the fight for press freedom.
With deep appreciation and warmest wishes for Leon in his future endeavours,
Zoe Titus, GFMD Chair
Mira Milosevic, GFMD Executive Director
For and on behalf of the GFMD Steering Committee and the GFMD Secretariat
Yoseph Adi Prasetyo and Leon Willems speak to journalists during a press conference after the opening of the 2016 Jakarta World Forum for Media Development at the Nusantara Multimedia University campus in Tangerang, Banten (JP/Arya Dipa)
Ayman Mhanna, Samir Kassir Foundation & Executive Director of GFMD (2016 – 2017)
Leon, Thank you for the immense trust you placed in me at just 32, entrusting me to lead GFMD. Your willingness to fly from Bogota to Montreal to onboard me, just weeks before I began, was a testament to your unparalleled generosity. From countless miles travelled together—Indonesia included—to your unmatched network and endless guidance (peppered with great laughs), you shaped my understanding of the media development world. You’re a rare gem: inspiring to agree with, fun to disagree with, and so exciting to learn from. With deepest gratitude.
Caroline Giraud – GFMD Coordinator then Programme and Policies Manager (2012-2016)
Dear Leon, our years working together to bring the GFMD back to life, trust and effectiveness were incredibly rich. Since our first chat in Grahamstown in 2012 you entrusted me, supported many of my initiatives and gave a strong voice, leadership and vision to this network. It was a real pleasure and great learning to take on this task with you and the Steering Committee, then with Ayman. And I confess, I miss the Dutch straightforward communication style! No one can fool you, you speak the truth and that is incredibly precious. I wish you all the best in what comes next, you’ll undoubtedly be successful in whatever you take on. Warmly, Caroline
Lars Boering, European Journalism Centre
Leon, The man to go to when you need a reality check, to pick your brain on ideas, to listen in to advice. It is inspiring to see what you have done for journalism and media. Hope to continue to find you every once in a while, for a coffee and a talk.
Caroline Vuillemin, Fondation Hirondelle
Dear Leon, From Miraya in Sudan to the GFMD and all the discussions at FPU, thank you for our rich and lively discussions. We do not always agree but I always learn something from talking with you. You’ll be missed, but the media development sector is stronger thanks to you and able to move on and continue the fight. All the best to you, MERCI et Amitiés
Jan Lublinski, Deutsche Welle Akademie
Dear Leon, thank you for your extraordinary engagement. Without you, GFMD and media development certainly would not be where it is today. You have inspired me, I have learned a lot from you and thanks to you. – AND: We will still need your voice in the future.
Toby Mendel, Centre for Law and Democracy
Dear Leon, It has always been a great pleasure working with you. Not only your commitment and dedication, as outlined above but also your thoughtfulness and willingness to consider other points of view. I wish you all of the best in your future endeavours.