New TEDx Talk to Share | Final Call for GC Prize Applications | Move Afrika Returns in Feb 2025 | Exciting GC Job Openings
Watch my new TEDx Talk, see Move Afrika updates for Lagos and Kigali, apply for the GC Youth Award, and explore job openings!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we approach the end of the year, I’m excited to share some important updates: the next steps for Global Citizen’s Move Afrika events (a frequent question I hear on the continent!), my new TEDx talk—described by one viewer as a glimpse into what 2025 might be all about: building bridges across ever-distancing lands—and a reminder about applications for the Global Citizen Cisco Youth Leadership Award are due TODAY! Finally, scroll to the bottom for some new job opportunities with Global Citizen.
Watch Now: My New TEDx Talk on Creating Change Through Working with People You Don’t Like
Have you ever had to work with someone you didn’t like—but did it anyway because it was critical to achieving something important? Think back to how it felt: frustration, discomfort, maybe even doubt. These feelings are all too familiar, especially in today’s divided world.
But what if the secret to tackling our greatest challenges lies precisely in working with those we don’t agree with?
In my new TEDx talk, I share three powerful stories of unlikely alliances that led to monumental change—from passing groundbreaking climate legislation to empowering millions of people. These insights come from interviews I conducted while writing my book, where I explored the question: What does it take to drive meaningful change in a divided world?
I’d be incredibly grateful if you could help spread the word about this talk:
Watch the talk: (The further you watch, the better it performs!)
Like and comment: Engagement boosts its visibility to a broader audience.
Share it: Post it on your social media or share my LinkedIn, X, and Instagram posts, and consider sharing it with 20 friends.
Your support can amplify this message of collaboration and help inspire more people to find common ground in solving the world’s toughest challenges.
Watch it here—and let me know what you think!
Global Citizen announces John Legend to headline Move Afrika in February 2025
Today Global Citizen announced EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum artist and producer, John Legend, will headline the next installment of Move Afrika, the first-of-its-kind music touring circuit headlined by international artists. Next year's tour will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria joining Rwanda as host countries. The tour will begin with Move Afrika: Kigali at the BK Arena on February 21, before continuing with Move Afrika: Lagos at The Palms on February 25, 2025. Move Afrika is a long-term, large-scale effort to pioneer the music touring circuit across Africa, driving economic investment, job creation and supporting entrepreneurship opportunities in each host country.
The 2025 edition of Move Afrika will drive a citizen-led advocacy campaign championing sustainable development and economic growth, with a dedicated focus on strengthening health systems across Africa.
A limited number of tickets for Move Afrika: Kigali and Move Afrika: Lagos are available for purchase at moveafrika.org. Additional details about the February Move Afrika tour, including how to earn free tickets by taking action with Global Citizen, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Global Citizen and 70 Organizations Unite to Urge European Union to Fund Global Development and Climate Action
This month, Global Citizen, alongside the ONE Campaign, Aidsfonds, and the Pandemic Action Network, launched the MFF Hub—a new coalition aimed at increasing EU funding for global development and climate action in the next long-term budget, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Over 70 organizations from around the world and across various sectors have joined forces to support this critical effort.
Global Citizen’s Valentina Barbagallo highlighted the urgency:
“The stakes have never been higher for Europe to fill the concerning gap in global leadership. Hunger and poverty are on the raise and a decade after the Paris Agreement, promises to protect our planet remain unfulfilled. Without sufficient funding to support partner countries in the green transition, the cost of inaction will be felt by us all. As the European Commission prepares its budget proposal for the next six years, we need EU institutions and member states to rally around a shared vision for strong external action.”
In an increasingly interconnected world, the EU faces a choice: step up to address global challenges or retreat from the international stage. By increasing its external funding, the EU can take the lead in creating a future where people thrive, nations prosper, and our planet is protected.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Join 70+ partners and sign-up to the Hub!
Sign Global Citizen’s petition asking the EU to Deliver for People and Planet
Read Global Citizen’s new policy position outlining how the EU can achieve A Budget that Delivers for People and Planet
If you want to know more, reach out to valentina.barbagallo@globalcitizen.org
FINAL CALL - LAST DAY TO APPLY - 2025 Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award (Deadline December 18!)
Young people continue to demonstrate resilience, determination, and the power to lead the fight against extreme poverty in our lifetime.
That’s why Global Citizen and Cisco are proud to once again honor youth leaders driving positive change in their communities and beyond. The annual Cisco Youth Leadership Award will grant one exceptional young social entrepreneur, aged 18 to 30, US$250,000 to advance their mission to end extreme poverty.
Are you making a difference and inspiring others to join you? Apply today!
A Word on Polio…
There’s been a lot of discussion in the U.S. recently about the polio vaccine—a topic that’s deeply personal to me. For those who know my story, it was a polio survivor and Rotarian, David Goldstone, who initially inspired me to launch what became Global Citizen’s first-ever policy campaign, The End of Polio. His story, which I share in my book and in this podcast and Rotary International Magazine interview with past Rotary International President Jennifer Jones, highlights the incredible progress the world has made toward eradicating this disease—progress driven in large part by the dedication of the American public, scientists, Rotarians and health workers.
I was therefore thrilled to hear the President-Elect express his strong support for the polio vaccine, calling himself a “big believer.” America’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing the world to the brink of eradicating polio, and the vaccine’s development—spanning both the oral and injectable forms—is a testament to American innovation and ingenuity. For those interested in learning more about this inspiring story, David M. Oshinsky’s epic book, Polio: An American Story, is a must-read. It’s encouraging to see that this legacy of commitment will continue.
For a glimpse into the ongoing inspiring work of the entire polio eradication community, polio partners recently concluded the second Best Polio Photo Contest, launched in October. The winners, announced on World Polio Day, showcased powerful images across three categories: Best Action Photo, Best Vaccination Photo, and Best Portrait. These moving visuals celebrate the tireless efforts of those working to protect communities and achieve a polio-free world.
Job Opportunities at Global Citizen
Global Citizen is on the the hunt for changemakers to join the team in driving impact and ending extreme poverty. Check out these exciting new openings:
Global Policy & Advocacy
Senior Associate, Policy Grants & Partnerships (New York, NY - Hybrid)
Senior Director, Policy Initiatives & Grant Implementation (New York, NY - Hybrid)
💼 Office of the CEO
🛠️ Product
📊 Shared Services & Finance
📍 Roles available in New York, London, and Berlin – with flexible hybrid and remote options!
Be part of a global movement. Apply now or share with your network!
Why I’m Optimistic About the Clean Energy Transition
💡 Did you know that in 2023, 90% of global power capacity additions came from clean energy? Even in the U.S., 75% of new capacity came from renewables—a sign that economics, not politics, are driving this shift.
In my latest article, I explore the unstoppable forces propelling the clean energy revolution and why the future might be brighter than it seems. Here are three key drivers:
1️⃣ Cost Advantage: Solar investments now outpace oil production, with plummeting costs making renewables the clear choice.
2️⃣ Innovation: Companies like Octopus Energy are transforming markets, proving clean energy can thrive even without subsidies.
3️⃣ Stronger Regulations: Policies in Europe are reshaping global supply chains, influencing markets far beyond their borders.
This momentum isn’t limited to developed countries. In Africa, blended finance and bold initiatives are scaling renewables to electrify millions. As Mike Silvestrini put it, “Who occupies the White House won’t stop solar, wind, or hydropower in Africa.”
A big part of this transition involves bold innovators like Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, who is disrupting entrenched energy markets. During a recent conversation, Greg shared with me his own personal journey and how Octopus became the UK’s largest energy provider by customer numbers in under a decade, delivering 100% renewable energy without relying heavily on subsidies or favorable policies. “We’ve been system takers,” Greg explained, “proving we could build a viable business model by working harder to be cheaper and more innovative than anyone else.”
Greg’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when outsiders challenge the status quo. Octopus Energy’s customer-centric model and focus on efficiency have reshaped the energy industry—and it’s just the beginning.
Check out my latest article to dive deeper into these trends and the leaders driving change.
📚 For more about Greg’s journey and lessons for change-makers and policy entrepreneurs, read the bonus chapter, The Innovator, in From Ideas to Impact. Simply share your receipt with me at michael@michaelsheldrick.com (or first order your copy here) to get on the distribution list. It will make for the perfect holiday gift!
My Reading List
I regret none of the climate policies we pushed in Ireland. But we underestimated the backlash
The 5 essential ingredients to unlock the power of climate collaboration
The Global Safety Net Frays: European Countries Cut Foreign Aid
Historic elections and disappointing budgets: politics in 2024
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