Upcoming events / Reflecting on Tim Walz's Teacher comments / Global Town Hall Registrations / Prize Winners / Hope in an Age of Despair / VIP tickets
In this week's update I also share some sad news from the world of polio, a reflection on Tim Walz's recent comments on the power of teachers, and an update from Abidjan
Dear Friends and Supporters,
First, a few upcoming book talks—feel free to share with anyone who might be interested.
This Thursday at the UN Bookshop:
Join me for a 'Meet the Author' conversation with Education Cannot Wait's Yasmine Sherif, IPI's Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, and the UN's Maher Nasser.
🗓 Date: August 15
🕐 Time: 1 PM EST
📍 Location: #UNBookShop, UNHQ, New York
Seats are limited, so register here.In Conversation with Alec Baldwin:
I’ll be joining Alec Baldwin, Hamptons International Film Festival board member later this month at the East Hampton Library.It might seem like an unusual pairing to team up with Alec Baldwin, but in many ways, he’s one of the OG policy entrepreneurs. His journey in advocacy began with The Creative Coalition in the 1980s alongside the late Christopher Reeve and has continued through various causes like women’s reproductive rights, federal arts funding, gun control, campaign finance reform, and environmental protection. As Alec himself says, “I am heartened by the fact that so many non-governmental groups are carrying a message of Hope Into Action.” You can learn more about Alec and Hilaria’s policy work here.
🗓 Date: Friday, August 23
🕔 Time: 4 - 6 PM EDT
📍 Location: East Hampton Library, 159 Main Street, Baldwin Family Room, East Hampton, NY
Register here.
Special thanks to the East Hampton Library, the Hamptons Film Festival’s Kim Brizzolara and Amy Levin, and Foundation Source for organizing and supporting the event!Upcoming in Minnesota:
Thanks to DevryBV, I’ll be kicking off the first luncheon of the Economic Club of Minnesota’s 2024-2025 season.
🗓 Date: Thursday, September 12
🕐 Time: 11:45 AM - 1 PM CDT
📍 Location: Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Boulevard, Golden Valley, MN
Get tickets here.
Looking forward to seeing you or anyone in your networks at one of these events! Also, a reminder that I’m grateful to those of you who have posted a review on Amazon or Audible, which remains one of the best ways to support first time authors.
Now onto other updates!
Less than two months until the Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan
I was in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire recently, meeting with the Prime Minister alongside partners from Bridgewater Associates and Harith General Partners. Our discussions focused on the upcoming Economic Development Assembly, October 9-10, which is a two-day event that will bring together Heads of State, public and private sector leaders, and the civil society to drive financial investments to end extreme poverty across the African continent.
We urgently need G20 countries to increase their support for the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) replenishment. IDA aims to support social and economic development for more than 1.5 billion people. This includes lifting 250 million people out of energy poverty by 2030, while also addressing malnutrition for more than 40 million women and children per year and promoting domestic resource mobilization.
The October Summit will drive a clear investment case as to why the world’s biggest economies should provide an additional $5-6 billion annually for the IDA21 replenishment in late 2024. Get in touch if you would like to be considered for an invite to the Economic Development Assembly.
Abidjan is a beautiful and dynamic city and it was also inspiring to see some of the infrastructure projects driving economic development and job creation.
Waislitz Award Winners Announced!!
Earlier this year, Global Citizen launched a call for applications for the 2024 Waislitz Global Citizen Awards, marking the 10th year of recognizing and celebrating innovators from around the world who are at the forefront of ending extreme poverty. Their groundbreaking work is not just transforming lives and communities, but also inspiring a brighter future. Presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen, the 2024 awards honor three extraordinary changemakers with $300,000 in prizes.
Grand Prize Winner: Dysmus Kisilu | Founder & CEO, Solar Freeze, Kenya
Disruptor Award Winner: Isabella Kamariza | Founder & President, Solid’Africa, Rwanda
People’s Choice Award Winner: Farhama Rashid | Founder & CEO, Bhumijo, Bangladesh
The 2024 Waislitz Global Citizen Awards mark a decade of celebrating and empowering individuals making extraordinary strides in the fight against extreme poverty. This year’s awards recognize the relentless efforts of changemakers who refuse to accept the status quo and are determined to uplift their communities and tackle systemic causes of poverty. Join Global Citizen in applauding these remarkable individuals and their unwavering dedication to creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you are inclined to spread the news about these amazing winners, here is a social media toolkit for your pleasure.
Register!! The Global Town Hall is back in town!
For the third consecutive year, Global Citizen is thrilled to be co-organizing with it’s Jakarta-based partner, Foreign Policy Community Indonesia, the 2024 edition of the Global Town Hall, which will take place fully virtually on Saturday September 7, under the main theme “Keeping Course: Actions and Solutions for a Messy World.”
Since its inception 4 years ago, the Global Town Hall has been joined by 400 civil society organization partners from 142 countries, while last year alone more than 10 THOUSAND people connected and engaged interactively in the different sessions! This year’s event will take place before world leaders hit a whole roster of summits around from - from the United Nations to the latest climate talks. To this end, the Global Town Hall represents for a great element of Global Citizen’s advocacy and outreach continuum, in order to engage citizens from around the world.
The different sessions will cover an array of topic, from global financial reform, to human rights and environmental defenders, from fighting hunger to boosting climate action, with a particular focus on providing alternatives for engagement to the thousands of people who will be listening. With the participation of civil society organizations, academics, policy makers and UN representatives, this action and policy marathon is bound to inspire us all! Help amplify and also make sure to register yourself HERE:
Passing of Mr Aidan O’Leary, WHO Director of the Department of Polio Eradication
The entire global health community was deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Mr. Aidan O’Leary, WHO Director for Polio Eradication, who was on holiday with his family. Aidan was a visionary leader and a tireless advocate for a better world, most recently spearheading global efforts to eradicate polio. Many extraordinary individuals have contributed to this mission, and continuing the work - ending polio, once and for all - is one of the best ways we can honor the legacy of those, like Aidan, who have dedicated their lives to this cause.
Here is an excerpt from a touching tribute made by President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland (from where Aidan was from):
Aidan O’Leary was a wonderful person who dedicated his life to helping those living in the most difficult, war-torn parts of the world…
May I join in the deep appreciation that has been expressed to Aidan by the Director General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, when he so rightly described Aidan as an outstanding humanitarian who embodied the ideal of service and solidarity across people and borders.
It is with the most remote and vulnerable people on the planet that Aidan worked, and it is amongst those people that he will be remembered the most and his legacy of work most cherished…
Síocháin síoraí dá anam lách uasal
(Gaelic: Eternal peace to his noble soul)
“Don't ever underestimate teachers”
These words were spoken by former teacher and high-school football coach, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, shortly after being named as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate for the 2024 U.S. election. Regardless of one’s political views, it's heartening to see teachers in the spotlight. I owe much of my personal journey to the influence of my teachers, and I know I'm not alone in this sentiment.
Perhaps of all the stories I’ve shared at my book talks, the one that has resonated the most with audience members is the story I share of the impact teachers made on me. As one highly respected global figure wrote to me after a talk in London:
A really nice event. Loved the story about your teacher. Think there’s one in all our lives. Didn’t find mine till I was at university.
As I watched Walz's first appearance last week with my colleague and friend Lucas, I could not help but notice the emotion in his eyes as Harris recounted how Walz created a safe space for gay students in the late 1990s. Lucas simply said, “There was always that one teacher who understood.”
Though many of you may have heard it by now, for those who haven’t here is own story of a teacher who made a difference in the life of a shy, uncoordinated, and confidence-lacking kid at the start of high school:
I was not great at many things.
Australia lionizes its sporting heroes, which is great if you’re good at sports but not if you’re like me, who could not kick a ball in the right direction, essentially blasphemy in Australia.
When it came to academics, I was equally bad. One day, one of my teachers even explained to my mum that I was bottom of the class and was not on track to finish high school, let alone get into university.
People said didn’t that motivate you. The reality is, however, that when people set low expectations of you, sometimes you live down to them rather than rise above it all.
Then, one day, we did this school assessment on Roman gladiators. It was not long after the movie Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, came out. I completed this assessment, handed it in, and did not think much more of it until I got home…
My mum looked confused and said there was a message on the answering machine for me. It was from my teacher, Mr Byrne. It went something like, “Hi, Mrs Sheldrick; I’ve noticed a change in Michael. Please call me back…” I thought that was a strange, kind of creepy message. What have I done wrong?
My mom had this confused look in her eye because, after years of being told Michael was stupid, lazy, and would not amount to much, Mr Byrne had just told her I had somehow topped the class.
The next day Mr Byrne told me that even if I don’t believe in myself, he believes in me. He said he thought I could be top of the whole year group by the end of the year but it would require me committing to work hard. He said he would meet me in the middle in recess, after school, whatever it took. I thought, shrugging my shoulders, what the heck, why not?
6 months later, I was on my couch when outside, a car pulled up in the driveway, and out walked Mr Byrne. I said what are you doing here Mr Byrne. He outstretched his hand and, in a very Aussie way, said, “Well Done, Mate.”
After that, 4 years later, I finished school top of the class and got into law school. Everyone was telling me how smart and intelligent I suddenly was, but I knew the truth. I still remembered what it was like to be that kid at the start of high school who everyone thought was lazy or stupid and wouldn’t amount to anything, and I remembered the difference that Mr Byrne made in my life. It was a genuine fork in the road moment.
Turning the Page on Our Current Age of Despair
In my book From Ideas to Impact, I explore the power of 'pragmatic idealism'—a philosophy that can help us move beyond the current age of despair. In my latest piece with Tshepo Mahloele, we dive into how embracing this approach can bring about real change. Check it out here and copied below)
In today's polarized world, we're often pressured to show unwavering loyalty to our "tribes," passing everything through rigid moral filters. This binary thinking, where even slight deviations are met with rejection from one's tribe, is wearing thin. Recent elections from South Africa to India to France reveal a growing fatigue with this mentality.
Now, more than ever, we need to unite and creatively tackle challenges, implement policies that work, and ensure effective service delivery. This won't be easy—it requires trade-offs, clear communication, radical transparency, and managed expectations. But if we can channel Mandela’s spirit of pragmatic idealism, the opportunities for positive impact are within reach.
Ultimate VIP Tickets for Global Citizen Festival
I would love for you to join the Global Citizen Festival this year! There are some discounted tickets available now - 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 Citizen 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!
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
On this past International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (last Friday), Global Citizen expressed its support for Indigenous Environmental Rights Defenders.
Indigenous Peoples are stewards of the environment and their knowledge and participation is crucial to tackle humanity’s most pressing issues, including the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. As they defend their collective rights against environmental degradation, large scale industrial activities, toxic waste, conflicts, changes to land use and forced migration, we must take concrete actions to support them.
Feel free to interact with Global Citizen’s post in collaboration with the UNHCR and the UNEP here.
Weekend Reading List
This Teenager is Combating Stigma Around HPV and Cervical Cancer in Kenya
Celebrating a Decade of Impact: Announcing the 2024 Waislitz Global Citizen Award Winners!
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