Climate Week NYC Events / Good News Roundup / Election Insights / Africa's Potential
Events, events, events! This week's newsletter has all the key details as we prep for Climate Week NYC and share insights for the weeks ahead.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I’ve just returned from a few book talks in Minnesota, where I had the chance to speak at the Economic Club of Minnesota. Last weekend saw a successful Global Town Hall, and on the home front, our daughter Miki is now almost 10 months old!
As always, I’m incredibly grateful for all the feedback I’ve been continuing to get about From Ideas to Impact. I’m thrilled to share that we’ve hit over 50 reviews on Amazon in the US—thank you all so much! If you haven’t yet, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Audible; it really helps others find the book. If you’re enjoying it and want the bonus chapter I’m wrapping up, just email me a copy of your receipt at michael@michaelsheldrick.com.
A Bit of Good News…
If you've read my book, you might remember Chapter 1, where I discuss efforts to increase toilet use in India. It’s an initiative I had the privilege of witnessing up close between 2014 and 2016, culminating in the Global Citizen Festival in India on World Toilet Day.
Recently, I came across a study highlighting the impact of that campaign. Between 2014 and 2020, over 100 million toilets were built across India. This monumental effort may have helped prevent 60,000–70,000 infant deaths annually among children under the age of 5. While challenges remain—globally, 4.9 million children still die before their fifth birthday, down from 5.6 million in 2016—the potential for scaling such policies is immense. Imagine the impact if similar initiatives were implemented worldwide: toilet access could potentially cut child mortality rates by up to 30%!
Clean Energy Continues to Surge…
Once again for those who’ve read my book, you’ll know that Collie is the Australian coal community that is literally providing a textbook example of what a just transition from coal to clean energy looks like. The Australian Prime Minister recently visited Collie to check out the battery project underway—set to be one of the largest in the world. When completed next year, it will create 500 jobs and store enough energy to power 800,000 households!
Speaking of clean energy, I also had an inspiring conversation with the authors of a new book on tackling bottlenecks in America’s energy grid. As America shifts towards electrification and faces growing energy demands from data centres and increased manufacturing, we explored three key approaches to address this challenge.
Reflecting on the ‘Year of Election’ So Far…
With the US election set for November 5th, it will mark the conclusion of what's been called the 'Year of Elections.' I've previously written about what we can learn from elections already held, and recently came across an excerpt in Foreign Affairs by Francis Fukuyama. Now, I know Fukuyama is often remembered for his famously off-track predictions about the future ('The End of History,' anyone?). However, this recent article struck a chord with me and align with the theme in my book: that as citizens, we have a lot of control over shaping the world, both during and between elections.
Fukuyama writes:
”The lesson to be drawn from the year of elections so far is that the rise of populist and authoritarian politicians is not inevitable... What remains effective is the steady, often boring work of democratic politics: making arguments, convincing and mobilizing voters, adjusting policies, building coalitions, and, if necessary, making compromises where the best gives way to the possible. Even in a dispiriting time for global democracy, citizens still have agency to move toward better futures.”
It's a reminder that change isn't just about election day—it's the continuous work of democracy that truly makes a difference.
On the note about democracy, if you’re in New York City this coming Tuesday, September 17, join Global Citizen and Headcount during the day for a Voter Registration Day popup at Washington Square Park.
Africa’s Potential in the Spotlight…
Bridgewater Associates' recent research highlights a major demographic shift in Sub-Saharan Africa, which is set to expand from 10% to 25% of the global working-age population. This shift presents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth, though the region faces challenges like low productivity, high debt, and inadequate investment. Addressing these issues will require closing gaps in infrastructure and human capital and attracting more private capital, with crucial support from multilateral development banks like the World Bank.
The research has sparked significant media attention. To build on this momentum, Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates are co-presenting the Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan on October 9-10. This key event will feature prominent speakers such as President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Global Citizen Ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, among others. Click here to register interest in attending the Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan.
From Ideas to Impact Book Tour Events:
NEW JERSEY: Art Meets Impact – Tuesday, September 17
Hosted by my former colleague Sharon O’Sullivan, this event is a fusion of creativity and purpose. 10% of all "Windows and Visions" art sales and 100% of book sales profits will go directly to FACE Africa, supporting clean water initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Register here!
🗓 Date: Tuesday, September 17
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
📍 Location: Ram Gallery, New Jersey
UPPER WEST SIDE: Sound Future x Net Zero Mead Tasting - Friday, September 20
I could not think of a better way to kick off New York Climate Week than by savoring the world’s first net-zero mead brought to you by Thistlerock Mead Company! Join us for this book talk hosted by Brandy Schultz, Co-Founder and CEO of Sound Future. Register here!
🗓 Date: Friday, September 20
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Upper West Side, New York City
Keep an eye out for other upcoming book tour stops: Parsons School of Design (Oct 2), MIT in Boston (Oct 16), Colorado (Nov), South Africa (early Dec), Johannesburg (Dec 3), and Cape Town (Dec 5).
Climate Week /UN NYC Events:
'A Near Future Without Child Marriage' - Friday, September 20
Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage organizes this event to mark the 10th anniversary of the UN General Assembly Resolution on child, early, and forced marriage—a significant milestone in the global efforts to end child marriage. Register here for location details and to join us on 20 September, 3:00-5:00 PM
Food for Humanity: Unlocking the Potential of Universities to End Hunger & Malnutrition - Saturday, September 21
This event will bring together world leaders and powerhouse experts in the food security and nutrition sectors exploring the role researchers, partnerships, youth and universities can actively take. Register today to join us on Saturday, September 21st from 9am to 4:30pm at The Forum at Columbia University (601 W. 125th St., New York, NY 10027).
The Fed's Race Against Climate Inaction - Monday, September 23
Central banks have long been admired and feared for the firepower they exert on global financial markets - and society. So why then does Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell argue that central banks have no business making climate-change policy? Join us for Climate Week's only discussion on the role of central banks and the escalating climate crisis. Register here for this event kicking off at 8am.
Regenerative Travel Summit 2024 - Monday, September 23
Excited to keynote the Regenerative Travel Summit on September 23, 2024, at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn. The event will assemble leading experts and visionaries from the travel industry to explore how travel can drive positive change, focusing on sustainability and community well-being. Learn more here.
’We Are Guardians’ Film Screening - Monday, September 23
Join us for an exclusive screening of the award-winning film We Are Guardians on September 23 at the Angelika Film Center. Stick around for a fireside chat with Indigenous leaders and filmmakers on the crucial role of frontline communities in our planet's future. Don’t miss this evening of inspiration and action! Register here.
Music Biz Climate Hub - Tuesday, September 24
I'll be on a panel at 1 PM discussing "Recent Climate Wins in the Music Industry," including Global Citizen's use of clean energy battery storage. Join us at the Jacob Javits Convention Center—registration is free!
Launch of 2nd Global Solidarity Report - Wednesday, September 25
Join us on September 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Goals House (Tavern on the Green, West 67th St, NY 10023). Please confirm your attendance by emailing globalsolidarity@goalshouse.com — spots are limited!
Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions - Wednesday, September 25
Featuring Keynote Speakers: Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados; President of Malawi Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera. Additional confirmed speakers include: Gaston Browne Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Ban Ki-moon, 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations; Macky Sall, 4th President of Senegal; Ed Milliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, UK Government; Deanne Criswell, Administrator of FEMA; Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Finland; Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York; Peter Sands, Executive Director of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Nomzamo Mbatha, Actor, Humanitarian, UNHCR and Global Citizen Ambassador; Laurence Tubiana, President, European Climate Foundation; Linda P. Fried, Dean of the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health; Dr. Nishtar, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. There are only 200 seats available, so please RSVP by September 20th to reserve your spot in the room to betty.lincoln@globalcitizen.org.
Global Citizen Festival - Saturday, September 28
We’re just two weeks away from the Global Citizen Festival and only a few tickets remain! Secure yours now by downloading the Global Citizen app and taking action. Email a screenshot of at least 5 actions to me for a FREE copy of From Ideas to Impact. Last chance also to grab Ultimate VIP tickets! Purchase discounted Ultimate VIP tickets here. For 6+ tickets, use this form or email jeannette.paulino@globalcitizen.org for more info.
Weekend Reading List
No Money for Nuclear Weapons: 16-22 September Week of Action
Letters to the Next President (recommend Martin Kimani’s letter)
Supporting credible elections to advance democracy globally in 2024 and beyond
UN: Africa needs $1.3 trillion to combat climate change, receives just 1% of global funds
Till next time,
Mick