Our Purpose Posts Archive - Thomson Reuters Institute Thomson Reuters Institute is a blog from Thomson Reuters, the intelligence, technology and human expertise you need to find trusted answers. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:53:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 Thomson Reuters: Stronger Together – Making a Difference on Global Volunteer Day https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/thomson-reuters-stronger-together-making-a-difference-on-global-volunteer-day/ Mon, 29 Sep 2025 12:51:40 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=67712 Recently, over 1,700 colleagues from 20 countries came together for our annual Global Volunteer Day. This event demonstrated both our expanding international presence and our unwavering commitment to social impact. Through 94 volunteer initiatives spanning new regions worldwide, our teams partnered with 109 nonprofit organizations, contributing more than 8,200 volunteer hours to local communities.

Whether volunteering individually or as part of our global events, our colleagues demonstrated an incredible commitment to making a difference. Here’s a glimpse of the powerful outcomes:

  • Animal Welfare: Collected 286 lbs of dog food and organized a kennel serving 100 animals.
  • Children: Created 100 sensory boxes and 25 gardening kits for neurodivergent children; made 41 fleece tie blankets and more than 200 cards for hospitalized children, including those in hospice.
  • Clothing: Sorted, folded, and organized 500+ donated items; donated 30 bags of clothing to cancer patients.
  • Human Services: Delivered 100 goodie bags and a day trip for senior citizens; assembled 200 care packages for women and children facing domestic violence.
  • Environment: Rolled thousands of seed balls for environmental restoration; crafted eco-friendly paper bags; cut and cleared invasive plants, removed weeds, and planted trees; joined beach and park cleanups across locations.
  • Food Insecurity: Sorted 3,000 items and organized 3,000+ pounds of food for food bank participants; packed 800 food boxes for 200 families; assembled 800 sandwiches; prepared, packed, and delivered meals to seniors in need.
  • Health: Supported cancer patients by assembling 100 HOPE kits; offering creative and therapeutic workshops; and providing 70 care kits and 100 crocheted hats.
  • Housing and Homelessness: Painted and did yard work for an organization supporting displaced families; helped build affordable homes for families in need.

The impact speaks for itself through the voices of our volunteers and the organizations they supported:

“This experience went beyond what I expected. It’s not just about giving back, but about learning from the amazing strength and positivity of the kids and staff. It was truly magical.”

– Abril, Mexico

“Thank you for volunteering with FoodCycle Byker. Your amazing efforts mean that FoodCycle has now served 1,184 community meals this year and saved 2,129 kg of food from going to landfill!”

– FoodCycle UK

“For Global Volunteer Day, we took action close to home in Eriksberg, Gothenburg. With perfect weather and great teamwork, we collected 11 full bags of litter from local parks. A small effort – but one that makes a visible difference for our community. Proud to work at a company that empowers us to give back.”

– Sofia, Sweden

“The volunteer event at FUCAM, an NGO offering integral breast cancer care, was not only meaningful — it was truly transformative. What stood out most was the energy and heart of our volunteers — many shared how inspired and motivated they felt after the experience. It shifted mindsets, sparked new friendships, and created a strong desire to stay involved. Several colleagues are already planning to volunteer again and support FUCAM’s mission. This event wasn’t just about giving back — it was about coming together, connecting with our community, and making a real impact.”

– Tifanny, Mexico

Global Volunteer Day 2025 highlighted leadership, accessibility, and global unity. We expanded our reach, deepened our partnerships, and empowered more volunteer leaders than ever before. This day exemplified what it means to be stronger together and the impact we can make in just one day. We will continue to build on this strong foundation for even greater impact in the years to come.


Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

  • Check out our career site to explore our 450+ open roles
  • Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, updates, and stories
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TR Labs: Join the team shaping the future of professional-grade AI https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/tr-labs-join-the-team-shaping-the-future-of-professional-grade-ai/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:59:02 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=66822 At Thomson Reuters, we’re not just building AI; we’re designing intelligent systems that think, reason, and operate alongside professionals. Thomson Reuters Labs, our applied research division, is where frontier research becomes enterprise-grade innovation: vetted, explainable, and ready for real-world use across law, tax, compliance, and journalism. Our work leverages some of the most comprehensive and richly enhanced professional datasets in the world, enabling us to deliver tools that empower our customers with speed, accuracy, and trust.

Why TR Labs? A Culture of Innovation and Growth

We’ve been at the forefront of AI for decades, dating back to the 1970s. This deep history, combined with our recent AI investments totaling more than $200 million in 2024 alone, uniquely positions us to innovate at scale. Through products like CoCounsel, our professional-grade GenAI assistant, we’re helping professionals work more efficiently and deliver greater impact.

At TR Labs, you’ll find a collaborative, global environment where people learn from one another, engage in meaningful work, and have access to:

  • World-leading content and datasets including 20B+ documents, 15+ petabytes of data, and 500+ trusted content assets
  • 4,500 subject matter experts – including 2,500 lawyers
  • Enterprise-grade infrastructure
  • Industry-leading learning resources and access to mentorship and career development

We work closely with CoCounsel product teams, platform engineering, and domain experts across legal, tax, and compliance to build AI that’s deeply embedded in professional workflows. Don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from the people driving innovation for our customers in the videos below.

“Working at TR Labs means working on real problems that matter—with the support and scale to do it right.” — Alina, Senior Applied Scientist, London

“The collaboration here is inspiring. You’re surrounded by people who care deeply about impact.” — Dasha, Senior Applied Scientist, Minneapolis-St. Paul

If you’re passionate about applied research or engineering—and want to build AI solutions that make a meaningful difference in the world—we want to hear from you.

Explore our current opportunities and apply now on our careers website.

 

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Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon 2025 https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/thomson-reuters-social-impact-hackathon/ Thu, 03 Jul 2025 19:11:23 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=66562 We are excited to share the remarkable achievements made during the Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon, an annual event that united Thomson Reuters professionals and nonprofit organizations worldwide in a day of collaboration and innovation. This year’s Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon not only addressed pressing challenges faced by nonprofits but also fostered a spirit of global community and professional growth. Our employees teamed up as pro bono consultants to support 40 nonprofit organizations from six countries. In total, employees volunteered 1,392 hours, which is valued at $306,240 USD* in pro bono consulting, all at no cost to the nonprofits.

A global reach with local impact

The Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon demonstrated the power of global collaboration by connecting organizations across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. This event brought together diverse causes and communities, from small grassroots initiatives to well-established nonprofits, all united in their mission to create positive change. This year was particularly noteworthy as employees in Mexico City participated in their first in-person Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon events.

Sarah Cage from CASA of Collin County shared, “As a small nonprofit, we are always looking for ways to effectively improve operations. The Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon
helped us solve a few internal issues, and we are very grateful for the experience.”

Dedicated volunteers

The event attracted both seasoned pro bono consultants and first-time volunteers, creating a dynamic mix of experience levels. This year, 49% of consultants were first-time participants, and 92% of consultants felt proud of their project. First-time Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon participant Kyle, Senior Manager, Applied Research, stated, “It was awesome working with the team based in Mexico City and to be part of such a high-impact project. The work we do at Thomson Reuters is extremely impactful, but it’s rewarding to take our skills and apply them to the nonprofit sector.”

Embracing technology and project outcomes

A significant number of teams embraced AI tools, such as Open Arena, a safe and secure AI sandbox built by Thomson Reuters Labs to enhance their projects, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and efficiency. This year, 84% of our participants used Open Arena or other AI tools to support their projects. Nonprofits gained valuable insights into how AI can be leveraged for marketing and communications.

Jane Austin from Achieve Twin Cities noted, “Learning how Copilot AI can be a powerful marketing and communications tool was incredible. We have not been using AI in this way, and it was amazing to see what was possible.”

Consultants provided high-quality deliverables that met or exceeded the expectations of their nonprofit clients, with many projects expected to have a significant and lasting impact.  96% of consultants strongly agreed that the work provided was of high quality and 92% agreed that projects met their defined scope and objectives. In addition, 36% of pro bono consultants plan to continue supporting the nonprofit on their own time.

A rewarding experience

Nearly all consultants reported gaining new insights into their nonprofit’s cause area, developing a deeper appreciation for the services these organizations provide. Many consultants felt the project allowed them to stretch their skillsets and strengthen their leadership and soft skills. Abby, Content Marketer, SEO, commented on her experience, “I really liked that our project was a combination of playing to our strengths, but also gave us the opportunity to learn new skills to help the nonprofit. This was my third Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon, and it keeps getting better.”

The overwhelming sentiment from participants was one of pride, fun, and fulfillment. The success of the Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon underscores the immense value of pro bono work, benefiting nonprofits while enhancing our employees’ professional development and sense of purpose. Organizations reported strengthened infrastructure, resources, and management capabilities because of the projects undertaken.

As we look to the future, we’re inspired by the dedication of our Thomson Reuters volunteers and our nonprofit partners. Together, we’re creating meaningful change and building stronger communities around the world. We look forward to continuing these impactful partnerships and exploring new opportunities to leverage our expertise for social good.

*Pro bono valuation is calculated by using the average hourly value for pro bono service ($220 USD per hour), as referenced by the Taproot Foundation.

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Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025: Trust Principles and Accessibility https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/global-accessibility-awareness-day-2025-trust-principles-and-accessibility/ Fri, 30 May 2025 18:48:35 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=66063 Thomson Reuters celebrated Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) a few weeks ago by exploring the deep connection between our Trust Principles and accessibility. Colleagues from across the globe, including India, the UK, the US, and Canada, came together virtually to share knowledge and experiences that reinforced how accessibility directly embodies our organizational values.

Our Digital Accessibility team, in partnership with the Disability Employee Network, designed an engaging program that went beyond awareness to inspire concrete action. Here’s how our GAAD 2025 events brought accessibility to life.

Insights from Experts: Accessibility as Strategic Advantage

In his thought-provoking keynote, Senior Accessibility Manager, Peter Bossley revealed how accessibility reinforces our principles of integrity and inclusivity. He shared our strategic roadmap, including the implementation of enterprise-level standards and automated testing, while emphasizing that creating accessible experiences requires commitment from everyone.

Two expert panels challenged conventional thinking by showcasing accessibility as a business advantage. Sharing real-world success stories, the panelists illustrated how inclusive design enhances customer satisfaction, minimizes legal risks, and creates more intuitive user experiences. Attendees left with practical strategies for integrating accessibility into their daily work, from inclusive user research to ongoing education and engagement.

Innovation in Action: Universal Design, Artificial Intelligence, and Beyond

Several sessions tackled everyday accessibility challenges, showing how seemingly small design decisions, like enhanced color contrast or quality captioning, can dramatically improve digital experiences for users with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. These practical examples reinforced why accessibility must be built in from the beginning, not added as an afterthought.

The Technology for A11y session further emphasized the critical importance of building accessibility into products from the start. Attendees learned about web accessibility principles and gained hands-on experience with assistive technologies like screen readers. Practical skill development continued with sessions on creating accessible PowerPoint presentations, including key content and visual accessibility guidelines, and tips for presenting information effectively via Microsoft Teams.

Multiple sessions explored how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accessibility. Presenters showcased tools like Be My Eyes and ChatGPT that help visually impaired users navigate their environments and understand visual content. For those with speech or communication challenges, technologies like Google’s Parrot Run and Project Activate demonstrated new interaction possibilities through speech conversion and eye gestures.

Powerful Perspectives: Learning Through Lived Experience

The personal perspective of accessibility was illustrated when a Senior Accessibility Specialist shared his journey with blindness, demonstrating how AI-powered tools have enhanced his professional capabilities and independence, from identifying musical instruments to improving gaming accessibility and managing daily routines.

Another Senior Accessibility Specialist shared her experiences with epilepsy and challenged common misconceptions, with part of her session focused on seizure first aid guidance provided by the Epilepsy Foundation.

These genuine accounts transformed theoretical concepts into tangible realities, reinforcing why inclusive design matters at a human level and reaffirming our commitment to creating products and environments that work for everyone.

Making a Difference: Accessibility Beyond Our Walls

Our commitment to accessibility extends well beyond our products and workplace. Our team in India’s recent Best Employment Generation Initiative award for their Livelihood Program is a prime example. This program has empowered 25 individuals with disabilities through training, mobility solutions, and employment. Our partnership with Impact Guru Foundation puts our Trust Principles in action, creating lasting positive change in our communities.

The message throughout GAAD 2025 was clear: at Thomson Reuters, accessibility isn’t just something we do, it’s who we are. It’s the thread that connects our values to our actions and our principles to our products.

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Get to know the Thomson Reuters Black Employee Network during Black History Month https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/get-to-know-the-thomson-reuters-black-employee-network-during-black-history-month/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 13:55:04 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=65133 During February’s Black History Month celebrations across Canada and the United States, the Thomson Reuters Black Employee Network embraced the theme “Empowering Black Media” and invited all colleagues to explore the journey of Black voices in media and their pivotal role in shaping our world.

The Black Employee Network is comprised of chapters across Ann Arbor, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Dallas/Frisco, DC/Virtual, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, Toronto/Canada Virtual, and London. These nine chapters partner with decision-makers and brand ambassadors to attract, retain, and develop talent and make Thomson Reuters a great place to work.

Brittney, a Talent Acquisition Partner in Ann Arbor, reflects on her experience with the Black Employee Network: “My involvement has transformed my professional experience. Through the Black Employee Network, I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful connections, serving as a trusted resource, and witnessing our members’ growth and success. It’s been rewarding to collaborate across chapters toward our shared mission of advancement.”

The flagship event for Black History Month at Thomson Reuters featured a podcast-style dialogue between Global Manager Jesse Waugh and Dr. Tara Bynum, Associate Professor at the University of Iowa. Dr. Bynum, author of “Reading Pleasures: Everyday Black Life in Early America,” offered fresh perspectives on amplifying Black voices in the digital age while examining historical narratives. Dr. Bynum emphasized the importance of recognizing the inner lives and complex experiences of enslaved people, challenging narratives that limit their humanity to public expressions of pain and anger.

In a powerful roundtable discussion, two of our Reuters’ editorial colleagues, Kat and Makini, led an insightful conversation on navigating journalism as Black professionals, moderated by Kteba, a Senior Attorney Editor. The session explored the evolution of Black journalism and the impact of digital platforms.

Across regions, our Black Employee Network chapters hosted a range of events throughout the month. In Toronto, we welcomed entertainment reporter Rudy Blair and partnered with the National Film Board for a special reggae documentary screening. In Frisco, we organized an impactful leadership panel featuring one of our Thomson Reuters alumni, Gabrielle Madison. At the same time, our Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter celebrated through literary voices, and the Ann Arbor chapter focused on wellness through art and mindfulness activities.

All Thomson Reuters employees, including allies, are welcome to join the Black Employee Network, whether as active members or supporters staying informed about our initiatives. Visit our Inside Thomson Reuters page to learn more about our business resource groups and how to get involved.

 


Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

 

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Thomson Reuters 2024 Social Impact Highlights https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/thomson-reuters-2024-social-impact-highlights/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 19:48:25 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=64465 In 2024, the Social Impact Institute and Government Affairs teams at Thomson Reuters led many initiatives to drive meaningful change and make a tangible difference in the communities where we live and work. Our dedicated teammates and strategic partnerships fostered innovation, community investment, volunteer impact, and sustainable corporate citizenship. The following highlights showcase our key accomplishments from the past year, demonstrating our unwavering dedication to creating a lasting impact on the communities we serve.

Volunteering our time

During our annual Global Volunteer Day in 2024, Thomson Reuters employees logged an impressive 8,000 volunteer hours, supporting over 100 nonprofit organizations across 16 countries.

The recipient of the fifth annual Carla Jones Social Impact Award played a pivotal role in a significant reforestation initiative in Mexico City, positively impacting the local community and the environment.

During our fourth annual Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon, 165 employees teamed up as pro bono consultants to support 39 nonprofit organizations from six countries. Employees dedicated more than 975 hours, valued at over USD 214,500* in pro bono consulting.

Leveraging our tech for good

The introduction of our AI for Justice program hopes to bring the power of generative AI to legal aid organizations to transform the way justice is delivered in the U.S. and beyond. The program provides legal nonprofits free access to CoCounsel, Thomson Reuters’ cutting-edge AI legal assistant.

An example of how we leverage our tech for good was the launch of the Safe Settings Campaign. The campaign provides parents, caregivers, and family members with critical information to keep children safe online.

We expanded our human trafficking training efforts, hosting three global panels to help employees understand various forms of human trafficking, how Thomson Reuters utilizes data and technology to support global anti-trafficking efforts, and how to keep children safe online.

The Thomson Reuters Institute launched the Human Rights Crimes Resource Center, a website that offers valuable resources for risk & compliance professionals in both corporate and governmental sectors. The Resource Center provides detailed insights and tools to tackle some of the most pressing human rights issues in our world today.

Making an impact through partnerships

The Thomson Reuters Institute/National Center for State Courts AI Policy Consortium for Law and Courts is our joint initiative with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) that informs and educates the judiciary about AI and generative AI solutions, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and responsible adoption in the court system. This partnership is crucial as it positions the consortium to be the leading voice in the ethical and effective integration of AI into the U.S. justice system.

In partnership with the McCain Institute, Thomson Reuters hosted the UNGA Women, Peace and Security Roundtable during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). The roundtable brought together influential female leaders and male allies to discuss strategies for increasing women’s participation and leadership in peace and security roles. Promoting women’s equal participation in these areas is crucial for achieving sustainable peace, protecting women’s and girls’ human rights, and fostering more inclusive and resilient societies, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all.

2024 was a year of significant progress and impact for the Thomson Reuters Social Impact Institute and Government Affairs teams. Our efforts extended to supporting the judiciary in responsibly adopting AI solutions, empowering legal aid organizations with cutting-edge technology, and promoting women’s participation in peace and security roles. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain dedicated to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. Together, we will continue to leverage our expertise, technology, and passion for social responsibility to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

To learn more about our progress, check out our expanded Social Impact & ESG Report with impact stories and additional data.

 

*Pro bono valuation is calculated using the average hourly value for pro bono service (USD 220 per hour), as referenced by the Taproot Foundation

 


Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

 

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Learning and Development at Thomson Reuters in 2024: Thriving Together https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/learning-and-development-at-thomson-reuters-in-2024-thriving-together/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:16:19 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=64368 As we reflect on our accomplishments of 2024, we celebrate our achievements in learning and development and look forward to exciting plans for 2025. Last year, our mission focused on promoting continuous learning, using AI, and supporting career growth for our global community. Let’s review our progress.

Support for Continuous Learning

Our commitment to continuous learning remained strong with three enterprise-wide learning days, engaging over 14,000 colleagues on key topics and skills:

February: AI in Action

Employees invested in building their mindset and comfort with using AI to enhance their work. Colleagues shared practical advice and inspiring use cases from various areas of the company.

April: Understanding Our Business

We deepened our understanding of Thomson Reuters’ business strategy and financials, strengthening our collective business acumen.

October: Product Learning Week

Colleagues gained insights into our products, their impact, and future product roadmaps for 2025. We launched a library of on-demand product demos and provided opportunities for everyone at Thomson Reuters to experiment with our new CoCounsel generative AI assistant.

Grow My Way

This year, we proudly launched Grow My Way, an initiative to support career growth in our dynamic work environment. It aims to:

  1. Help colleagues continuously develop skills that enhance current and future career opportunities.
  2. Enable leaders and managers to effectively adapt to meet rapidly changing business needs.

Grow My Way included webinars on AI’s impact on work, new skills necessary to stay relevant in today’s market, the value of hands-on projects for career growth, and building a professional network. We also introduced an AI-enabled Careers and Skills Explorer tool to help colleagues identify development areas and potential career moves.

Celebrating AI Adoption

Our journey with AI has been remarkable. In 2024, a substantial number of our colleagues regularly used AI tools, surpassing our initial expectations. Over 11,000 colleagues have completed our AI Foundations course, and 3,800 have developed advanced skills in prompting and our internal AI platforms. The AI in Action Storytelling Series highlighted how AI has enhanced work efficiency and enjoyment. We supported AI engagement through hackathons, challenges, and a global network of AI champions.

Manager Development

In 2024, we launched Managing at TR, an onboarding program to support new managers and equip them with essential tools and skills. More than 700 managers participated globally, with 93% finding it a valuable investment. We continuously evolve the program based on feedback to best position our new managers for success.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we enter the new year, we’re excited to make learning and career development even more personalized and impactful. We will enhance Grow My Way and explore new AI tools, including various AI-powered digital assistants, to enrich our colleagues’ learning experiences. Our focus is on equipping all Thomson Reuters employees with the skills needed for a successful future.

 

If you’re interested in joining our team, check out our careers site and view our open roles.

 


Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

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Thomson Reuters Women, Peace and Security Roundtable at the 79th UN General Assembly https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/thomson-reuters-women-peace-and-security-roundtable-at-the-79th-un-general-assembly/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 14:18:09 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=64219 The Thomson Reuters Social Impact Institute, in partnership with the McCain Institute, convened a closed-door roundtable on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, taking place in September 2024.

Women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making is essential to achieve peace and security goals, as well as protecting women’s and girls’ human rights, leading to a better outcome for all.

Women, Peace and Security is a policy framework born from UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000. The resolution acknowledges the disproportionate impacts of conflict on women and girls, while also recognizing the critical—though often overlooked—role women play in security, conflict prevention, management, and peacebuilding efforts. Research consistently shows that when women are involved in decision-making processes related to conflict and security, as well as in the protection of women’s and girls’ rights, positive outcomes are more likely and sustainable. Ensuring women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making is vital to achieving lasting peace and security.

Advancing the WPS agenda is a key pillar in Thomson Reuters’ human rights work. The 2024 roundtable, held under Chatham House rule, brought together global experts and leaders involved in WPS from diverse sectors, building on discussions in the 2023 event. By convening representatives from government, the justice sector, diplomacy, law enforcement and military, Thomson Reuters seeks to build discussion and action on how to drive and support the presence of women in key roles that uphold democracy and the rule of law.

Moderated by Heather C. Fischer, Senior Advisor for Social Impact and Human Rights at Thomson Reuters, and Kristin Abrams, Chief Program Officer at the McCain Institute, the roundtable was organized into three panels: Leading from the Front: 2023-2024 in Review, Efforts to Mobilize Public-Private Sector Engagement, and An Academic Perspective in Emerging Promising and Best Practices. Opening remarks were provided by representatives from UN Women and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), who set the tone by reviewing both the successes and shortcomings of WPS implementation in 2023. They highlighted key challenges, such as the absence of women signatories in any peace agreements in 2023 and a 50% increase in reported instances of sexual violence in conflict zones, as reported by the UN. They called for an intersectional and inclusive approach to Women, Peace and Security, as well as the need for new creative strategies to overcome existing barriers.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

  1. Adopting a Multistakeholder Approach
    Progress requires leveraging the strengths of multiple sectors, particularly by fostering collaboration between the private and public sectors. Combining resources, expertise, and influence across various fields will enable a more effective and holistic implementation of WPS goals.
  2. Moving from Commitment to Implementation
    While there is no shortage of commitments to the WPS agenda, participants underscored the challenges in translating these commitments into action. For example, despite over 100 countries adopting WPS National Action Plans (NAPs), only 31 have developed estimates for implementation costs.[i] There was a call for comprehensive policies that bridge the gap between commitment and execution, backed by the necessary legal frameworks, foreign policy initiatives, and funding to ensure successful implementation.
  3. Emphasizing Bottom-up Approaches
    While high-level policy and governmental action are critical, participants emphasized the importance of grassroots movements and community-level initiatives. A bottom-up approach was highlighted as equally essential in addressing gaps in policy and informing the creation of more effective strategies. Localized actions can contribute to closing implementation gaps and ensuring that WPS policies are responsive to the needs of those most affected.
  4. Raising Visibility and Awareness
    Despite its importance, WPS remains underrecognized by both the public and policymakers. Participants called for increased efforts to raise visibility and awareness of WPS, both through education campaigns and through branding the initiative in ways that resonate with broader audiences. The lack of awareness undermines the effectiveness of the initiative, and increasing visibility is key to maintaining momentum.
  5. Investing in Younger Generations
    The roundtable also emphasized the importance of educating and engaging younger generations to sustain and enhance the WPS agenda. Investing in youth is critical to ensuring the long-term success of WPS efforts and building a new generation of leaders committed to peace and security.

Organizations That Participated in the Roundtable:

AllTru

Center for Women’s Economic Empowerment at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

Committed to Good

Government of Pakistan

Jones Day

McCain Institute at Arizona State University

Naval War College

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE)

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Our Secure Future

Oxford University

PAX sapiens

Philadelphia Foundation

RAND Corporation

The Knoble

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters Special Services

Harvard University

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

U.S. Department of State, Global Women’s Issues (GWI)

U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

UN Women

Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE)

[i] https://oursecurefuture.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/OSF-NAP-InfographicCompanion-April26-2023.pdf

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Meet the 2024 Carla Jones Social Impact Award Winner: Abraham Fuentes https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/meet-the-2024-carla-jones-social-impact-award-winner-abraham-fuentes/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:46:18 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=64188 We are thrilled to announce that Abraham Fuentes is the winner of our 5th Carla Jones Social Impact Award, one of the highest honors our Thomson Reuters colleagues can achieve. This award recognizes those who demonstrate extraordinary social impact in line with our values at Thomson Reuters.

This year, Abraham played a pivotal role in a significant reforestation initiative in Mexico City, which had a profound impact on both the local community and the environment. Abraham, along with the Global Volunteer Network-Mexico City, collaborated with Cultura Integral Forestal, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Mexico’s natural parks. Through this partnership, Abraham helped organize and execute four major environmental activities aimed at making a tangible difference.

“Participating in this reforestation project has been profoundly transformative for our team. It has deepened our understanding of environmental issues and our role in addressing them. The hands-on experience of planting trees and witnessing their growth has instilled a sense of accomplishment and responsibility towards the planet. It has also strengthened our team dynamics. We will also continue to work on this project next year.” – Abraham Fuentes

Carla Jones was a remarkable colleague who lived our values and inspired others to do the same. For more than two decades, she was a trusted and valued advisor, serving as chief of staff to our previous three CEOs. Known for her grace, humility, and generosity, Carla lived her life treating people with kindness and giving back to others.

The Carla Jones Social Impact Award was created in her memory based on her passion for social issues and making a positive impact in our communities. The award recognizes employees that demonstrate extraordinary social impact in line with Thomson Reuters values.

A $10,000 USD donation will be made to Cultura Integral Forestal. This grant will help Abraham and the Global Volunteer Network continue their reforestation efforts with the organization in 2025 and beyond.

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Celebrating Global Pro Bono Week: Thomson Reuters’ Impactful Pro Bono Projects https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/our-purpose/celebrating-global-pro-bono-week-thomson-reuters-impactful-pro-bono-projects/ Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:18:59 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?post_type=our_purpose_post&p=63528 As we commemorate Global Pro Bono Week, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the significant pro bono projects Thomson Reuters has undertaken in the past year. These initiatives showcase our commitment to leveraging our expertise and resources to drive positive change in the legal and business sectors globally. Let’s take a closer look at three standout projects that have made a considerable impact: 

1) Advancing Transformational Governance with the UN Global Compact 

Thomson Reuters supported the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) with the launch of their Transformational Governance Toolkit, an initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16. By providing practical insights and actionable steps, the guide empowers companies to align their governance structures with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create long-term value for all stakeholders.  

Thomson Reuters assembled a cross-functional team of experts who volunteered their time and skills to assist the UNGC in developing key messages, conducting landscape research analysis, and creating detailed audience personas for the toolkit’s launch campaign. Over the course of two half-day pro bono sprints, the Thomson Reuters team provided valuable marketing and communication strategies that the resource-limited UNGC team could not have developed on their own. This collaboration not only aided in the successful launch of the Transformational Governance Toolkit in February 2024 but also exemplifies how pro bono work can provide major influence in a very short amount of time.  Read more about our work together. 

2) Increasing Capacity and Reach for Lawyers Without Borders 

Through two Thomson Reuters Social Impact Hackathon sessions, Thomson Reuters employees volunteered their expertise to address critical challenges faced by Lawyers Without Borders (LWOB). The first session focused on developing a Marketing and Communications Strategy, helping LWOB clarify their messaging and better articulate their impact. The second session tackled program and project management systems, providing LWOB with concrete solutions to streamline their operations. These initiatives demonstrate how skilled professionals can leverage their knowledge to significantly enhance a nonprofit’s capacity and effectiveness. 

The impact of these pro bono efforts extends far beyond the 58 hours volunteered or the $11,500 value of services provided. By improving LWOB’s ability to communicate their mission and manage their projects more efficiently, Thomson Reuters’ pro bono work has indirectly contributed to serving hundreds, if not thousands, more individuals in need of legal support worldwide. This case study highlights how pro bono consulting can create a ripple effect, amplifying a nonprofit’s reach and impact. It showcases the potential of corporate skills-based volunteering to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of global justice and human rights, ultimately demonstrating that when professionals donate their time and expertise, they can help organizations overcome critical challenges and achieve their missions more effectively. Read more about our work together. 

3) Driving Legal Inclusion and Access to Justice with the Justice Technology Association 

Through two consecutive long-term pro bono projects, Thomson Reuters employees volunteered their expertise to support the Justice Technology Association, a newly formed organization dedicated to bringing together tech entrepreneurs to pursue equity in the justice system. The first project focused on developing clear messaging and a well-defined value proposition for JTA, resulting in a robust strategic key messaging document and a pitch deck for potential members and investors. The second project involved creating a new website to enhance JTA’s online presence, reach, and SEO capabilities. 

These pro bono efforts, totaling over 850 volunteer hours valued at nearly $167,000, demonstrate how skilled professionals can leverage their knowledge to significantly enhance a nonprofit’s capacity and effectiveness in the justice technology sector. By improving JTA’s ability to communicate its mission and attract new members and partners, Thomson Reuters’ pro bono work has indirectly contributed to making the legal system more accessible and fairer for everyone. This case study highlights how corporate skills-based volunteering can drive meaningful change in the pursuit of a more equitable justice system, ultimately demonstrating that when professionals donate their time and expertise, they can help organizations overcome critical challenges and achieve their missions of increasing access to justice for all. Read more about our work together. 

As we celebrate Global Pro Bono Week, these projects serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses dedicate their skills and knowledge to social causes. By supporting organizations like the UN Global Compact, Lawyers Without Borders, and the Justice Technology Association, we’re helping to advance sustainable business practices, strengthen the rule of law, and promote innovation in the justice sector.  

Thomson Reuters remains committed to continuing our pro bono efforts, driving positive change, and contributing to a more just and sustainable world. 

 

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