The Pulitzer Center’s 2025 annual report underscores the power of breakthrough journalism, supporting over 900 stories across 97 countries. From exposing abuses to shaping global policies, its work demonstrates journalism’s role in driving accountability and change, while education programs connect these stories to communities, preparing for the Center’s 20th anniversary in 2026.
The Pulitzer Center has released its 2025 annual report, a document that not only captures the breadth of its work over the past year but also sets the stage for a landmark celebration in 2026, when the organization will mark its 20th anniversary. For a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underreported stories, this report is more than a tally of achievements—it is a testament to the enduring power of journalism to shape societies, influence policies, and inspire future generations.
In 2025, the Center supported more than 900 stories produced by over 300 journalists working across 97 countries. These stories spanned five critical focus areas: global health, information and artificial intelligence, human rights, peace and conflict, and climate and environment. Each of these areas represents pressing challenges of our time, and the Center’s commitment to them underscores its belief that journalism must illuminate the issues that matter most, even when they are overlooked by mainstream coverage.
The stories funded and supported by the Pulitzer Center were as diverse as they were impactful. In Syria, journalists documented the fragile hope of citizens envisioning a free country under a new government, capturing the resilience of communities long battered by conflict. In Mexico, Kenya, and the United States, reporters held sexual abusers accountable, shining a light on systemic failures and amplifying the voices of survivors. Other investigations examined the global consequences of the end of USAID programs, revealing how shifts in international aid reverberate across vulnerable populations. Environmental reporting uncovered the scale of the global shark trade, a shadowy industry with devastating ecological consequences, while technology-focused investigations revealed how artificial intelligence is being misused to generate child sexual abuse material, raising urgent questions about regulation and accountability in the digital age.
The impact of these stories extended far beyond the page or screen. They were cited in tangible policy changes and legal actions, demonstrating the real-world influence of journalism. In Brazil, reporting on the shark trade contributed to bans on shark meat. In the United States, investigations into sexual abuse were linked to a lawsuit against Match Group, the dating app giant. Coverage of deforestation in the Amazon reached the highest levels of scrutiny, prompting Supreme Court probes. Meanwhile, revelations about the misuse of AI influenced platform policies at major technology companies, showing how journalism can push industries toward greater responsibility.
Lisa Gibbs, CEO and president of the Pulitzer Center, and Dick Moore, board chair, emphasized in the report that this work represents what they call “breakthrough journalism.” It is journalism that not only informs but also inspires curiosity, conversation, and purpose. Gibbs and Moore highlighted that the Center’s mission goes beyond producing stories—it is about connecting those stories to schools, communities, and institutions in creative ways, ensuring that their impact resonates widely and deeply.
Indeed, the Center’s engagement and education programs are a cornerstone of its work. In 2025, these initiatives linked reporting projects with students, teachers, researchers, scientists, and civil society organizations. By doing so, the Center amplified the reach of its journalism, transforming stories into catalysts for dialogue and action. Students were encouraged to think critically about global issues, teachers were equipped with resources to bring complex topics into the classroom, and researchers and scientists found new avenues to collaborate with journalists. Civil society organizations, meanwhile, gained access to reporting that could inform advocacy and policy efforts.
This educational dimension reflects the Center’s belief that journalism is not only about uncovering truths but also about equipping future generations with the tools and information they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. By fostering curiosity and critical thinking, the Pulitzer Center ensures that its work has a lasting legacy, preparing young people to engage with pressing issues and to seek solutions.
The annual report also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing journalism today. In an era of disinformation, shrinking newsrooms, and increasing threats to press freedom, the Pulitzer Center’s role as a supporter of independent, underreported stories is more vital than ever. Its global reach—spanning nearly 100 countries—demonstrates the interconnectedness of the issues it covers. Climate change in the Amazon, human rights abuses in Kenya, technological risks in the United States—all are part of a shared global narrative that requires attention, understanding, and action.
As the Center approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the report invites reflection on the journey so far. Founded with the mission of supporting journalism that might otherwise go untold, the Pulitzer Center has grown into a global force, enabling hundreds of journalists to pursue stories that challenge power, expose injustice, and inspire change. Its model of combining reporting with education and engagement has proven effective in amplifying impact, ensuring that stories do not simply inform but also transform.
The anticipation of the 20-year milestone adds a layer of significance to the 2025 report. It is not only a record of achievements but also a prelude to celebration and renewal. The Center’s leaders have made clear that the anniversary will be an opportunity to honor the journalists, educators, and communities who have been part of this journey, while also recommitting to the mission of breakthrough journalism.
The stories highlighted in the report are emblematic of the Center’s approach. They are stories that matter, stories that challenge, and stories that resonate. Whether it is the hope of Syrians for a free country, the fight against sexual abuse across continents, the consequences of shifting aid policies, the protection of marine ecosystems, or the regulation of emerging technologies, these narratives reflect the complexity of our world and the necessity of journalism in navigating it.
The Pulitzer Center’s 2025 annual report is, ultimately, a celebration of journalism’s role in shaping society and the future. It is a reminder that stories can drive accountability, influence policy, and inspire generations. As Gibbs and Moore note, breakthrough journalism is not only about reporting—it is about sparking curiosity, fostering conversation, and instilling purpose.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Center stands poised to mark two decades of impact. Its work over the past year, as captured in the annual report, demonstrates that journalism remains a vital force for change. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the Pulitzer Center’s commitment to underreported stories ensures that voices are heard, truths are uncovered, and futures are shaped.
The 2025 annual report is not just a reflection of what has been accomplished—it is a call to continue the work, to support journalism that matters, and to recognize its power to transform. As the Pulitzer Center prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it does so with a clear vision: to keep pushing boundaries, to keep telling stories that matter, and to keep inspiring the world through breakthrough journalism.
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