BETTER INFORMATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

The CFI 2024 Annual Report needs to be read in light of current major shifts. Given the international backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions we need to all call into question our actions, the reasons underpinning them and their efficacy. This approach has long been part of CFI’s DNA; however circumstances have prompted us to step up even further. This is what has helped us and will continue to help us keep abreast of the ever-changing world and keep on innovating and adapting.

CFI’s core remit is to push back against disinformation, to promote freedom of expression, press freedom and independence of media outlets worldwide, in accordance with French and European stances.

CFI’s remit is a key part of French foreign policy: by building the capacity of partner journalists in many countries we work in, CFI is helping to shape a world in which information is reliable, independent, diverse, exempt from political pressure and able to emerge, develop and be widely accessible, with a view to fostering democracy and the values underpinning it.

This goal may seem far removed from our everyday concerns, were we not living in an interconnected world in which every slight shake on one side of the globe can have repercussions in other countries and even France. As recently stated by the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, press freedom underpins democracy. And every time that hopes for democracy are dashed in some part of the world, the democratic reality of our continent is further isolated.

By way of its actions and projects, CFI also helps to promote the French language as embodied by the notion of Francophonie, an arena promoting values such as sharing, mutual respect and diversity, to which we are all committed. We must strive to uphold them.

As we have seen yet again in 2024 and even more in 2025, our destinies are closely shaped by those of others. This why CFI staff get down to work in such a selfless spirit and can-do attitude: they know just how important it is for our partners in the south as for France and Europe. They work in more hostile conditions and with limited resources, meaning they have to account for every last Eurocent. This Annual Reports would be nothing without them. It serves as a reminder of all we accomplished in 2024 and points to what remains to be done.

I hope you enjoy reading and learning from this report.