GFMD is actively participating in the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC25), from 20–24 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. GFMD will host three side sessions and participate in several key discussions focused on strengthening media sustainability, funding, and advocacy for investigative journalism worldwide.
| 11. November 2025
Date/Time: Thursday, 20 November | 10:00 am – 17:00 pm (local time)
Every four years, GFMD members elect a representative cohort of 17 delegates – our Steering Committee – who are responsible for major strategic and policy matters, GFMD membership issues, and oversee the work of the GFMD Secretariat.
Steering Committee members will elect a new Chair, Deputy Chair, and Treasurer to serve from 2025–2029.
The discussion will also cover key strategic priorities for the coming years, including membership engagement, advocacy, and network-wide collaboration.
Organised by Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD)
Date/Time: Friday, 21 November |5:00 pm – 6:15 pm (local time)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Room 410
Registration: Due to limited room capacity to attend, please register here.
The session will focus on strategies and tactics for arguing for strengthening the capacity of investigative journalists and media organisations to combat illicit finance by:
This session is designed for journalists, investigative networks, and media support organisations working on illicit financial flows (IFFs), transparency, accountability, and public engagement in development financing.
➡️ For details and registration, visit the GFMD IMPACT website
Co-organised by Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) and DW Akademie
Date/Time: Friday, 21 November | 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm (local time)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Room 410
Registration: Due to limited room capacity to attend, please register here.
This interactive session aims to explore practical ways to strengthen advocacy and fundraising for media development and journalism support.
Participants will discuss experiences of using traditional arguments — including the value of media support from a human rights perspective — as well as economic and security considerations, which are increasing in prominence
The participants and facilitators will share lessons learned and review tools and resources for programme design and advocacy.
➡️ For details and registration, visit the GFMD IMPACT website.
GFMD Executive Director Mira Milosevic will also join two high-level sessions at GIJC25, contributing her expertise on media sustainability and nonprofit business models.
Date/Time: Saturday, 22 November | 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm (local time)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Room 401
Developing sustainable business models is difficult worldwide, but it becomes exponentially harder in regions facing political instability, threats to press freedom, or high poverty rates.
This panel brings together media leaders from around the world to discuss strategies for insulating their outlets from external pressures while securing stable revenue streams. Panellists also share innovative approaches to financial sustainability, audience engagement, and operational resilience in hostile environments where traditional funding models often fail.
Date/Time: Sunday, 23 November | 4:30 pm – 5:45 pm (local time)
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre – Room 401
Financial sustainability remains a critical challenge for investigative journalism organisations. This panel brings together nonprofit media leaders, funding experts, and philanthropic partners who have developed viable long-term models.
Participants will examine proven approaches to diversified revenue streams, donor relations, and operational planning. The session focuses on practical lessons learned and strategies for building financially stable organisations capable of sustaining high-quality investigative journalism.