Launching a Book in A World Divided. Literally.
I reflect on a surreal book launch and the power of solutions in our divided world. If you're in DC, come join me for a book talk this Tuesday!
This week, I'm headed back to Washington for a series of meetings, including some at the White House. Between official engagements, I'm thrilled to be speaking at several book events, starting with one at the Atlantic Council on Tuesday evening. I'll be sharing the stage with an esteemed lineup of speakers:
M Sanjayan, Chief Executive Officer, Conservation International
Kizito Byenkya, Advocacy Director: Opportunity Coordination, Open Society Foundations
Abby Finkenauer, Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, US Department of State
Alexandria Maloney, President of Black Professionals in International Affairs
Register here for event details
Reflections from Thursday's Book Launch at Columbia
Thursday evening at Columbia University was nothing short of surreal. As we arrived for the book talk, the campus was in upheaval. Earlier that day, police officers had moved in to clear a solidarity encampment supporting the people of Gaza, leading to further protests in response.
Despite the ensuing chaos, over 100 people found their way to and packed out Columbia’s Buell Hall for my book talk. While I’d love to think it was purely for the stimulating conversation, I suspect the promise of free vodka cocktails and scotch kindly donated from my friends might have sweetened the deal for some!
The scenes at Columbia University mirrored the pretext for my new book, released just this past week, which delves into the challenges of driving change in a divided world. Initially uncertain about the reception of my event amidst the backdrop of chants and unrest outside, the mood grew even more somber with the arrival of Ambassador Francois Jackman of Barbados. He had just come from the UN Security Council, which was also deadlocked, failing to pass another resolution.
With all this going on, I questioned the relevance of even attempting to hold a discussion on bridge-building in our divided world and contemplated skipping straight to the drinks.
However, the evening took an uplifting turn. A compelling panel discussion unfolded, exploring practical examples of bridge-building that have delivered tangible improvements in people's lives. We delved into storytelling techniques that foster trust and rapport (stories of HOW and WHY!), the art of convening diverse coalitions, and the pragmatism needed to advance what some might perceive as radical or extreme positions without fracturing coalitions. We also highlighted the power of success stories as motivational tools for action. We can make a difference because we have made a difference!
Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, to whom I dedicated a chapter in my book, exemplifies much of this approach. Beneath the radar, countless other examples worldwide also echo this sentiment. Even institutions like the UN, often criticized as dysfunctional, have had their moments of impact (as I chronicled a few weeks ago).
By the end of the evening, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The room was positively charged, and attendees left uplifted. I firmly believe that action is the antidote to apathy and divisiveness. In a world rife with problems, people are calling out for solutions.
Back to Washington…
On that note of solutions, on Friday evening, I found myself back in DC, where my colleagues at Global Citizen had just launched a new report. This report identifies six avenues for generating additional funds to assist countries grappling with rising debt and increasing vulnerability to poverty. While many advocate for increased spending across various causes, too little attention is focused on WHERE the money can come from.
The report was warmly received at an event we hosted, attended by key policymakers, diplomats, and representatives from civil society. Some of the ideas proposed in the report are bold, but such audacious proposals can act as rallying points, channeling energy and focus (as I discuss in the book!). One of our partners captured the sentiment well in a WhatsApp group who summed up the report thus:
“Mega brilliant advocacy report by GPI Network members Global Citizen… Exactly the kind of thing we need to be doing - bold ideas, clearly presented, explaining how they are doable. First report I have seen (in ages) that so boldly takes on the 'we need more grants' campaign and makes it believable...”
The Power of Naively Audacious Goals!
In my book, I often reference another report, the 2023 Global Solidarity Report, highlighting that while our world teeters on the edge, public sentiment often outpaces leadership on critical issues. It's easy to succumb to doomsday thinking or seek validation through pessimism and shaming. As a recent addition to the advisory board of the Global Solidarity Report, I was presented with this compelling slide:
While social incentives may sometimes lean towards pessimism or shaming, my book aims to counteract this by offering new tools and incentives for positive change. It focuses on actionable opportunities where we can truly make a difference.
As another real time inspiring example… During a recent trip to Brazil, I had the privilege of meeting with Brazilian Ambassador Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio. He oversees Brazil's hosting of the G20 nations later this year and detailed the ambitious plans for the G20 Global Alliance against Poverty and Hunger. This initiative encourages countries to adopt effective anti-poverty and hunger policies that have already been proven to work, such as school meal programs, cash transfers, and support for smallholder farmers. Brazil is hoping to make the adoption of such policies, and real gains against poverty and hunger a hallmark of its chairing, which is exactly what a majority of the world are calling for.
I'm genuinely excited about the potential of Brazil's G20 agenda. If the world unites behind it, it could serve as a powerful catalyst for global anti-poverty efforts as well as efforts to address deforestation and climate change… on that note.
Happy Earth Day!
Today, on Earth Day, I'm celebrating the relentless advocates and campaigners who drive change forward, inch by inch. I discuss their results and efforts in my latest book and in a recent article for Edie.
Check it out here: https://www.edie.net/beyond-greenwashing-and.../
Let's continue to push for meaningful changes that honor our planet every day, not just on #EarthDay.
As a final note, please please (!) spend the time to post a review on Amazon or other book sites if you like my new book. It is one of the best ways to support first time authors like myself gain traction and support!!
Until next time!
Mick