GFMD convened its newly elected Steering Committee on Thursday, 20 November, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking the start of a new four-year term (2025–2029) for the organisation’s governing body.
| 20. November 2025
Every four years, GFMD members elect 17 representatives to serve on the Steering Committee, which guides the network’s strategic direction, oversees governance and membership issues, and supports the work of the GFMD Secretariat. SC members represent a wide range of journalism support and media development organisations from across the world.
During its first meeting, the Steering Committee officially began its mandate and elected a new Executive Committee to lead the network for the 2025–2029 term:
The newly appointed GFMD Chairperson, Rawan Damen, shared a message of gratitude and commitment with the network:
“GFMD Steering Committee, Executive Committee, Management, and Team – thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am genuinely honoured and humbled by your faith and trust in me. I believe in the power of this community, and I’m dedicated to helping us amplify every voice. Our core purpose – to champion quality, ethical journalism as a public good – is the motivation that drives me every day. By working together, we ensure our collective efforts always strengthen democratic norms for the greater good. I look forward to this journey with all of you”.
Rawan Damen accepting her election as a GFMD Chairperson
Outgoing Chairperson Zoé Titus reflected on her term with heartfelt gratitude:
“ As my term as GFMD Chair comes to an end, I feel immense gratitude for the collaboration, trust, and friendship that have defined these past four years. Leading this network has been a privilege and a learning experience that deepened my respect for everyone working to keep journalism strong and independent. I am proud of how far we’ve come together and confident that under Rawan Damen’s leadership, GFMD will continue to thrive. She brings clarity, empathy, and a strong vision that will carry our shared mission forward. I wish Rawan and the new Executive Committee every success as they begin this new chapter.”
Mira Milosevic, GFMD’s Executive Director, congratulated the new Committee and reaffirmed the network’s mission:
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Zoe and the outgoing Steering Committee for their dedication, wisdom, and steadfast support over the past four years. Their leadership has strengthened our network, guided us through a period of profound change, and helped position GFMD as a trusted voice for journalism and media freedom worldwide. At the same time, it is a pleasure to welcome Rawan Damen as our new Chair, together with the incoming Steering Committee. Their expertise, vision, and commitment come at a crucial moment for global journalism. I am looking forward to working closely with them to build on our collective achievements and to advance the collaboration, solidarity, and shared mission that define GFMD”
The elections mark the beginning of a new phase for GFMD, as the organisation continues to strengthen its role as a global convener for media development, independent journalism, and information integrity.
The new Steering Committee brings together leaders with extensive experience in journalism, media policy, innovation, and human rights. Together, they will steer GFMD’s efforts to foster collaboration, coordinate advocacy, and promote the sustainability of independent media worldwide.
Over the coming months, the Committee will finalise GFMD’s strategic roadmap for 2025–2029, outlining shared priorities and initiatives to strengthen public interest media in an increasingly complex global information environment.
If you would like to know more about GFMD’s governance structure, please consult the GFMD Constitution