Joe Biden's Legacy / How to Secure UVIP Tickets for the Global Citizen Festival / Ghana Music Industry on the Brink of Growth / BOLD ideas about BEES!
It has been just over 24 hours since Joe Biden's announcement sent shockwaves through the US and the world. Check out my reflections plus other updates, including UVIP tickets for Global Citizen Fest!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Hope everyone has had a nice week. I am traveling this week to Rio de Janeiro to meet with key partners as part of the Brazilian Government’s launch of the Global Alliance on Poverty and Hunger - I look forward to providing you all with updates and maybe even some recommendations for Churrasco!
Like many, I've been processing the momentous news that Joe Biden will not seek re-election. Over the weekend, I wrote a reflection piece about three notable presidents who chose not to seek re-election. If nothing else, it might help you out at your next pub trivia night 😉
Finally, don’t forget to leave a book or Audible review and send a copy of your receipt to michael@michaelsheldrick.com if you want to get on the distribution list for the special bonus chapter. I'm thrilled with the feedback and suggestions people have already sent me based on their own experiences translating incredible ideas into real life changing impact!
Please see some updates from our team below:
Highlighting Global Citizen’s work in Ghana, looking ahead to Move Afrika
As Global Citizen expand its Move Afrika initiative across the continent, we’re excited at the prospect of returning to Ghana to sustain the momentum towards an international music touring circuit across the African continent. By driving economic investment in the Ghanaian entertainment industry, Ghanaian-owned businesses and young entrepreneurs, Global Citizen hopes to build local capacity and ensure Ghana is a touring destination for years to come.
To this end, check out this article, “Ghana’s creative and music industries on the brink of significant growth,” that I co-wrote with Global Citizen’s Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, Caralene Robinson. Please share and promote it if you like it! Here is an excerpt:
Today, wherever we go, people still share stories with us in airports, on planes, and even at other concerts, proudly recalling their experiences of witnessing such a memorable and historic event at Accra’s Black Star Square. The lasting impact of the 2022 campaign is a major reason why we and our team members have returned to Ghana for numerous meetings in recent weeks.
Simply put, we are gearing up to announce our next series of world-class concerts across Africa, with the second Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience tour returning to the continent, focusing on creating jobs and fostering economic development within the creative economy….
The investment case informing our vision for Move Afrika is clear: Africa’s creative and music industries stand on the cusp of significant growth if they are able to receive the level of investment required to scale. In 2023 alone, according to the latest IFPI Global Music Report, the African music industry saw revenue growth of 24.7 percent, making Africa the fastest-growing region for music revenues for the second consecutive year. Music and creative economies, more broadly, have the potential to generate exciting new industries and job opportunities for young people and help the continent achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through driving economic development.
Currently, the African market remains largely untapped by the global music touring industry, with a few high-profile festivals here and there but nothing consistently creating sustainable jobs and businesses across the continent long-term. As it has for Latin America, the creation of a large-scale, international music touring circuit across Africa, implemented with the right long-term partners, will be game-changing for Africa. For example, Brazil now hosts more major global productions than most parts of North America, having operationalized and invested in their vision 20 years ago, resulting in transformative change for local communities.
This past week, Global Citizen also had the opportunity to highlight the impact of it’s past work in Ghana - for example, commitments for reproductive health in 2022 have provided Ghanaian women and girls with contraceptive and maternal health products.
You can check out the interviews from my colleagues Caralene, Martin and Kojo did with local press below:
Caralene’s interview with Joy 99.7FM’s Drive Time show (starts ~3:44)
Martin & Kojo’s interview with 3FM 92.7
A clip from Caralene’s interview with Starr 103.5FM
Protesting the German Draft Budget Bill
This past week, the Global Citizen team gathered in Berlin with more than 30 NGOs to protest cuts to funding for development and humanitarian aid. The German cabinet after months of intense political discussions and conflicts within the governing coalition, with the risk of a coalition collapse looming due to a budgetary deficit exceeding €20 billion, has agreed on a draft for the 2025 federal budget. Several ministries will have to operate with less funding than last year, with the development assistance-relevant ministries severely affected (BMZ -8%, MoFA -12% with humanitarian action cut by -53%). These are not just numbers; they mean less support for those who need it the most and risk the implementation of critical projects that fight hunger, the climate crisis, and extreme poverty. Legislators still have the chance to stop these cuts until November 2024 when the final budget settlement session happens. Join Global Citizen in calling on them to speak out against these cuts and to secure these live saving funds!
Ultimate VIP Tickets for Global Citizen Festival
I would love for you to join us at Global Citizen Festival this year! The Global Citizen team is offering discounted tickets to my network - by purchasing Ultimate VIP tickets you will be supporting Global Citizen’s signature annual event, it’s biggest charity fundraiser of the year, and you will help global citizens drive impactful campaigns while you enjoy an unforgettable day of music, inspiration, and exclusive perks.
What’s Included with Ultimate VIP Tickets:
Prime Viewing: The best spot on the Great Lawn for front-of-stage viewing
Private Entry: Fast-pass priority entrance located at 85th St. and Central Park West
VIP Tent Access Behind-the-Stage:
Gourmet catering available throughout the day
Open bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options
Private restroom facilities
High-definition TV screens
Onsite concierge staff
Lounge space to relax and mingle with other VIPs
Why Support Global Citizen?
The proceeds from these exclusive passes benefit Global Citizen and it’s campaigns to help millions in extreme poverty. Together, we can help improve lives and create a more just and sustainable future.
Purchase Your Tickets:
You can purchase your discounted Ultimate VIP tickets here. If you are interested in purchasing 6+ tickets, please use this form or email Jeannette Paulino at jeannette.paulino@globalcitizen.org for more details! I hope to see you there!
Book Tour Update, and BOLD ideas about BEES!!!
I've been enjoying the diverse book events I've been invited to speak at and hearing from audiences about which principles from the book resonate most with them. I'll share more about this visit and other key insights from recent events soon. One audience that stands out is purpose-driven entrepreneurs, who are finding that policy change is crucial for their businesses to thrive. The good news is that we can all be policy entrepreneurs and contribute to the policy shifts we need!
Next month, I'm excited to join my friend John Kluge Jr. at his Mead Brewery - Thistlerock Mead Company - on the outskirts of Charlottesville, Virginia, for a talk on how the right policy frameworks can help sustainable businesses thrive. You can register for the event here and read this incredible profile piece about John’s business. As the author writes, John’s enterprise “is buzzing with bees — and bold ideas” - just the kind we like!! Here is an excerpt:
Already on the path to achieving its goal of becoming the first net-zero meadery in the country, with 33% of the farm powered by renewable energy, sustainability is the beating heart at the center of the Thistlerock ecosystem.
Kluge described the operation as “completely regenerative” and emphasized a hands-off approach when it comes to coexisting with the surrounding flora and fauna, using only organic substances on plants. His beekeeper, Allison Wickham, also uses a similar style when handling Thistlerock’s 70 hives of both Russian and Italian honeybees as well as some from the Virginia survivor stock…
Thistlerock’s founders’ mission goes beyond simply making mead. The business invites people into its space to educate them on sustainable practices, the global loss of biodiversity as a result of climate change and what can be done to turn the tide.
“Consumer-facing products have the ability to inform and educate and inspire people to think and act differently if it’s done with real intention,” said Kluge.
He also plans to carry out this endeavor through educational programs held at an outdoor amphitheater near the Thistlerock tasting tavern. He’s bringing his friend, Michael Sheldrick, to speak in early August. Co-founder of Global Citizen, a movement committed to tackling the issues of extreme poverty and global warming, Sheldrick is joining Kluge for a “fireside chat about building a global change-making organization and using citizen power and music to change the world.”
For those who want a short summary of the 8 principles I discuss in From Ideas to Impact, check out this article I recently published in Leader to Leader.
Weekend Reading List
Five Keys to Develop a Green Taxonomy Framework: The case of the Dominican Republic
A Policy Entrepreneur’s Eight-Step Guide to Turn Ideas to Impact
As always, if you’re enjoying the weekly newsletter format, and want even more, you can subscribe to my Substack here where I publish reviews, lists, and articles regularly.
Till next week,
Mick
PS don’t forget to send your book receipt to michael@michaelsheldrick.com to get access to the bonus chapter!