Friday, July 4, 2014

#ID100: Identifying Critical Questions for Development Research & Policy



From Monday June 30th  to July 3rd 2014, I was a guest of the University of Sheffield, Sheffield in the UK, as part of the #ID100 Project: Identifying critical questions for development research& policy.  Participants who are experts in International development were invited to identify and agree on the most important questions in International Development (ID). With the deadline of the MDGs fast approaching, these questions will define how the post-2015 agenda can be addressed in a realistic and evidenced way. The event started on July 1st 2014 in Sheffield, UK was hosted by the Sheffield Institute for International Development, a flagship research institute within the University of Sheffield, UK.

The Moment when the last of the 100 questions was identified and voted for. 
The ID100 Project opened a worldwide consultation with individuals and organizations from across policy, practice and academia, inviting them to submit questions that address the world’s biggest environmental, political and socio-economic problems. So over the course of the two-day research workshop, over 30 leading international experts in fields directly related to international development debated and voted on the submitted questions in order to short-list the 100 most important ones. I was part of those invited experts.

This final list (100 questions) will be published as an influential policy report and as an open-access article in a leading academic journal. All workshop participants will be co-authors. Similar priority-setting exercises, in fields ranging from biodiversity conservation to food security, have been instrumental in framing global research priorities for policy development and implementation.




I believe that that I made a significant contributions to the debate particularity in Rights, Governance and Participation  as well as in the Development & Aids Politics Working Groups.  (Inspired by the activism part of my career)  You can see some of my tweets via #ID100 

For now I am in London for a short summer holidays. 

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Social Mobilization in the Fight Against Aids,...

Social Mobilization in the Fight Against Aids,...

The continued efforts in the fight against HIV, AIDS & its accompanying opportunistic infections see an increasing collaboration between governments & organizations at various levels all over the world. Among leading world leaders in this fight is The Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & malaria. From the streets of Abuja during the Abuja+12 AU Special summit on AIDS, TB & Malaria, through those of Capetown during ICASA, on to a boardroom in Nairobi and many more, one of the most prominent issues clamoured for among others, is the actualization of the commitments made to health financing as part of resource mobilization efforts in the fight against AIDS, TB & malaria in Africa. Thus as an emerging health advocate,...Read More
+SocialGood

World Cup + Global Health +SocialGood | Virtual...

World Cup + Global Health +SocialGood | Virtual...

[video will appear above when the virtual panel is live] WORLD CUP + GLOBAL HEALTH +SOCIALGOOD VIRTUAL PANEL   WHEN: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 | 11:00am-12:00pm ET WHERE: Above or on Google+: World Cup + Global Health +Social Good Google+ Hangout WHAT: A look at the ONE Campaign’s “Going for the Goal: Immunisation and the Case for GAVI” centered on bringing attention to a global movement for vaccines. HASHTAGS: #WorldGoals #Vaccines #SocialGood SPEAKERS: Moderator: Devi Thomas, Shot@Life Dr. Akira Homma, Head of Vaccines FIOCRUZ Institute Natasha Bilimoria, Director of U.S. Strategy, GAVI Erin Hohlfelder, Director of Global Health Policy, ONE Campaign WHAT IS WORLD CUP...Read More
+SocialGood

2014 World Cup +SocialGood

2014 World Cup +SocialGood

As the world gathers in Brazil for the World Cup, be part of this global conversation.
+SocialGood

#BringBackOurGirls

#BringBackOurGirls

How new media is helping to reinforce the need to invest in girl's education in Nigeria.
+SocialGood

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

2014 World Cup +SocialGood

2014 World Cup +SocialGood

As the world gathers in Brazil for the World Cup, be part of this global conversation.
+SocialGood

Education Designed for a Global World

Education Designed for a Global World

1World-Kids look to make a long-term, positive impact to the lives of children by igniting a passion for lifelong learning that supports the global need for a renewed sense of responsibility and care. Our aim is to help children recognise that everything we do has consequences and that by making simple changes to the way we live our lives, that we can just save the life of another. We believe that it is time for us all to consume less, appreciate more, take time to give thanks for all that we have and learn compassion for all those that have nothing, not because of who they are, but simply because of where they live. “Educating our kids about the world today will help shape the face of the world tomorrow....Read More
+SocialGood

Preparing for the Digital Age

Preparing for the Digital Age

The ASEAN region is the fastest growing consumer of digital content and services. The traditional enterprise will need to transform its business to address new consumers of the region. - Affecting change in corporate culture Technology disruption Understanding shifting consumer behavior - Technology disruption - Understanding shifting consumer behavior  
+SocialGood

Sunday, May 11, 2014

World Health+SocialGood

World Health+SocialGood

A five-day digital event covering the World Health Assembly
+SocialGood

11 Social Innovators You Need To Know About

11 Social Innovators You Need To Know About

photo by: Missy Schmidt Social Innovation is all around us these days. All across the globe there are incredible people using incredible technology to enhance our world. Here are 11 social innovators that I think you should know about. These individuals are creating amazing ways to help, transform, and inspire the way we solve issues. Eric Woods - Switchboard Before leading @Switchboard , Eric was the Executive Vice President, COO & Co-Founder of EconoMEDics, a medical device start-up that designed a rugged, low-cost, power-generating pulse oximeter for the developing world. With a degree in Bioengineering from UC San Diego and a term as an engineering Project Manager at the medical device company DJO, Eric is now...Read More
+SocialGood

5 Things We Learned About Urban Food Insecurity

Takeaways from Urban Food Security +SocialGood #SocialGood #Rffood

5 Things We Learned About Urban Food Insecurity

Takeaways from Urban Food Security +SocialGood
+SocialGood

Friday, May 9, 2014

An intergenerational dialogue on the World You Want

As the 2015 deadline of the Millennium Development Goals draws near, the 
international community is preparing to define a new global framework for the 
future. With half of the world’s population under 25 and set to inherit this post 2015 world, it is critical that the views and perspectives of young people are at the heart of this discussion and that they have their say in the post-2015 decisions.

Recognising the valuable role that young people can play in shaping future 
development goals, the Kofi Annan Foundation and the United Nations 
Foundation are hosting a dialogue between global leaders and young people on 
the development priorities of particular importance to them: a good education, 
better job opportunities, better healthcare and action on climate change. More

You can start now to participate by sharing this tweets: 

Join You + Global Leaders +SocialGood on 13 May and have your say on the world you want:  http://trib.al/G3IS79m #WorldWeWant

• Join May 13th as @KofiAnnan & @unfoundation host an open dialogue with global leaders and young people: http://trib.al/G3IS79m #worldwewant



Tuesday, May 6, 2014

IN READINESS FOR THE RETURN OF OUR GIRLS A PRESS STATEMENT ON THE MISSING CHIBOK SCHOOL GIRLS BY THE #CHOICE4LIFE ADVOCATES


Displaying Choice4Life Advocates.jpg

May 5th 2014: 

Since Monday, April 14, 2014, more than 200 girls, mostly teenagers, were reportedly abducted by heavily armed men from their school in Chibok, Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. The news of this event sent ripples across the nation, and many are yet to recover from the shock of such a catastrophe. While some of the abducted girls have escaped and returned home, the exact whereabouts of the others remain unknown.

Reports regarding this event, are increasingly dominating the media, especially the new media with the launch of the#BringBackOurGirls campaign. Also, Nigerians, especially women and some parents of the abducted girls have taken to the streets in different states and countries around the world. They all show solidarity through protests pressurizing government to swiftly and continuously take necessary actions to ensure the girls are returned home alive.

Apparently, incessant kidnappings have recently being on the increase in Nigeria. Victims suffer untold traumatic physical, psychological and emotional consequences. In this particular case, it is imperative to note that these girls are at high risk of sexual violence. While we earnestly anticipate their quick return in order to stop the continuous abuse they may be going through, it is imperative that we consider our readiness, especially our legal and health systems, to ensure that the victims immediately commence the process of full recovery upon their return.

We recognize the challenges of handling insurgencies such as this, as we unreservedly acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of our military, para-military and other security personnel towards ensuring that peace, order, and security of lives and properties is restored in Nigeria.
We commend all the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians who have toiled over the last couple of weeks, to raise awareness about the kidnapped girls, and who have worked to pressure the government to go the extra mile towards bringing our girls home.

We appreciate the support from non-Nigerians, global leaders and the international media to the campaign for government to rescue our girls and bring them back alive.
We commiserate with the families and relatives of all the kidnapped girls, assuring them that Nigerians stand as one with them through these trying times.

To this end, we, the #Choice4Life Advocates, a group of young Nigerians from diverse ethno-religious and social background across Nigeria, who use social media to advocate for non-violence and promulgation of relevant policies needed to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights of women; therefore demands that;
  1. The Federal Government and the Borno State Government, through relevant security agencies, intensify and strengthen all current efforts being made towards the quick release of the girls.
  2. Given the fact that our current laws on violence against persons, especially women, is insufficient in ensuring justice for the abducted girls upon their much-anticipated return, we request the National Assembly pass the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Bill (#VAPPbill) without further delay so as to guarantee a robust legal framework needed to seek justice for the girls. The swift passage of the VAPP Bill will also, among others, boost the confidence of the citizens in the polity as well as serve as a legal protection of citizens against all forms of violence regardless of sex, age, culture, tribe or religion.
  3. A policy on the right of every Nigerian to education should be formulated and included in our National Constitution and/or relevant documents so as to protect and guarantee the right of citizens to education regardless of cultural and religious beliefs. This is expected to take preeminence over any local, cultural, and/or religious policies, which are against right of citizens to education.
  4. The education and empowerment of women should be given the adequate priority and urgent attention it requires.  
  5. All necessary structures and actions should be put in place immediately to forestall a repeat of this and similar incident in any part of Nigeria.
We do look forward to the earnest return of all the girls unharmed. It is time to #BringbackOurGirls Alive!  Thank you.
Signed:
  1. Dr Laz Ude Eze
  2. Mr Francis Anyaegbu
  3. Mrs. Bukky Shonibare
  4. Dr Chijioke Kaduru
  5. Mr. Alkasim Abdulkadir
  6. Pharm. Tolu Ogunlesi
  7. Dr Sylva Nze Ifedigbo
  8. Ms Busolami Tunwase
  9. Mr. Akachukwu Okafor
  10. Mr Kolo Kenneth Kadiri
  11. Ms Oluwabusayo Sotunde
  12. Mr Uche Briggs
  13. Barr. Gabriel Okoro
  14. Mr. Moses Nwokedi (Big Mo)
  15. Dr Ugochi Nnaji
  16. Mr. ‘Fisayo Soyombo
  17. Dr Isa Jiddah Mohammed
  18. Ms Joy Odiete (J’odie)
  19. Mr. Ayodele Fanida
  20. Mr. Stephen Oguntoyinbo
  21. Dr Chioma Enyi
  22. Engr. Stanley Azuakola
  23. Mr. Kamil Alebiosu
  24. Mr. Franklin C. Uzor
  25. Dr Patrick Ezie
  26. Mr. David Nnaji
  27. Mr. Jeremiah Agenyi
  28. Mr. Stanley Achonu
  29. Ms Tosin Ajibade
  30. Dr Hamid Adediran
  31. Mazi Moses Idika
  32. Mr. Uche Njoku

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Opinion on the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC



Desert encroachment in Northern Nigeria | Photo Credit: Esther Agbarakwe
"The one message that comes out very clearly is that the world has to adapt and the world has to mitigate ... and the sooner we do that, the less the chances of some of the worst impacts of climate change being faced in different parts of the world." When Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) made this statement at the presentation on the fifth assessment report of the IPCC, it sounded like a bitter pill to swallow. The Report titled ‘Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability” places human activities at the front of climate change, and paints a glaring picture of a dark future the world faces if mitigation and adoption measures are not taken urgently against climate change.
 
As Environmentalists world over struggled to take in this "prophesy of doom", their Nigerian counterparts found it much more depressing to imagine the catastrophic impacts this portends for a country really doing nothing on climate change, despite it's already existing impacts.
 
For Nigerian environmentalist and Founder of FADE Dr Newton Jibunoh, the report has brought further attention to the need to tackle climate change with urgency especially for developing countries because of their poor capacity to mitigate the impact of disasters and poor governance that leads to the mismanagement of disaster relief efforts. "As I approach my late seventies, it is indeed heart warming to know that issues that I have been advocating for, over the last thirty years, have now come to the fore",he saysHe also alluded that citizens of these countries including Nigeria are becoming more aware of the volumes in resources that have been poorly managed in efforts to reconstruct communities and relieve suffering, making them more disenchanted.
 
The IPCC report indicates that overall crop yields in Africa and South Asia could decline by eight percent by 2050 and yields from tropical fisheries could decline by as much as 40 percent, while demand for food surges as diets change and populations rise in the developing world. In Africa, there will be twice as many people in 2050 as there are today, with Nigeria probably hitting 440million, surpassing that of the United States of America. Food crises will worsen for the country as the price of food is already rising due to the security unrest in some parts of Northern Nigeria where most food for the country is farmed. The developing world has smallholder farms that are responsible for up to 80 percent of food production and it is critical that we act now by investing in practical solutions that strengthen the resilience of smallholder famers and improve the sustainability of their livelihoods. Protocols and initiatives proposed in climate change conventions have not translated into positive progress in developing and underdeveloped countries because the groups who are most against legally binding adaptation and mitigation responses stand to lose a great deal, therefore they will do everything to stall the international cooperation process.
 
On the report, the Executive Secretary UNFCCC, Ms. Christiana Figueres had this to say, “This report is a tale of two futures – one of inaction and degradation of our environment, our economies, and our social fabric. The other is to seize the moment and the opportunities for managing climate change risks and making transformational change that catalyzes more adaptive and resilient societies where new technologies and ways of living open the door to a myriad of health, prosperity and job-generating benefits. The path of tomorrow is undoubtedly determined by our choices today. We must decide which path to follow”.
 
Following the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) decision to create a N1billion Fund to support climate change projects in African countries, the Director the AfDB Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, Alex Rugamba ascertains that Africa remains the most vulnerable continent to climate change impacts however the region receives a very small portion of climate finance in comparison to other continents.
 
While majority of developed countries keep the rest of the world waiting for a climate deal, it has become essential for developing nations to begin to chart their own plan for adaptation, and some mitigation, as at least contributors to climate change. Nigeria must create its adaptation measures, not waiting for foreign aid. We must begin to focus on building a climate smart generation, stop unfettered exploitation of natural resources and careless growth in carbon emissions, while creating greener jobs, in a green economy.
 
As an organization, which has been at the forefront of promoting advocacy for over 10 years on mitigating the effects of climate change especially in Nigeria while also proffering adaptation measures to reduce impending disasters, here are some steps we proffer, which are globally accepted in tackling our climate crises;
 
1.      Increased use of Renewable sources of energy
2.      Adopt a cohesive and sustainable region-wide tree planting campaign framework.
3.      Invest in climate smart agriculture, empowering small scale farmers
4.      Environmental advocacy to classrooms and boardrooms thereby raising a climate smart generation
5.      Urging companies and industries to join the green transition.
6.      Research on combating health issues that will get unique and worse in the future due to the changing climate
 
With our initiatives such as the Desert Warriors Reality Show, Tree planting campaigns across the six geo-political zones and more recently our“Small Gardens Today, Small Forests Tomorrow”…The Forest Rangers Initiative”, it is our hope that small efforts like ours will be replicated globally so that we may collectively join hands and fight for a sustainable environment.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW!!!

Written and shared by 
Fight Against Desert Encroachment (FADE)
http://www.fadeafrica.org/

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

GLOBAL GOALS, CITIZEN SOLUTIONS: 2014 Global Philanthropy Forum Conference:


Next week, I will travel to Redwood City in California, USA to speak at the 2014 Global Philanthropy Forum Conference on Advocating for the Environment.  According to the organisers, governments can set goals, mobilize resources and coordinate action. But to combat poverty in all of its dimensions and meet ambitious new development goals, they must join forces with citizen innovators from the private and social sectors and take into account the role that both human nature and human ingenuity can play. 

Local philanthropy on the other hand is rising in Africa with strong private sector engagements in job creation and economic growth but are such  investments working with strong ethical considerations to the environment?  

Follow the @gpforg  and @estherclimate on twitter to get updates and join the conversations via #gpf14

For more info on the event, Click here


1 Billion + 3 Reasons to Think about 2030

There is a lot to think about when you are in a room filled with social media pioneers, global thinkers, and experts from one of the world’s most populous countries: India. Everything you think about, in fact, starts with the reminder that 1 billion people are counting on the answers to how we tackle the big challenges: improving global health, empowering girls and women, confronting the realities of climate change, and leveraging technology and new media to advocate for economic and social development.


1 Billion + 3 Reasons to Think about 2030

Lessons learned from #India +SocialGood

+SocialGood

300 Million People Need Your Help, Are You In?



300 Million People Need Your Help, Are You In?

Last week in Paris marked the second meeting of the G20 Employment Taskforce- one of the six official working groups of the world’s premier economic and financial forum. At the St Petersburg G20 Summit in 2013, world leaders committed to come to Brisbane in 2014 with a concrete action plan referred to as a ‘comprehensive growth strategy’ that outlines the steps they will commit to taking to drive economic growth in their respective countries. Within each of these plans lies an ‘individual country employment plan’ that focuses on boosting employment and lifting participation. It’s the latter of these two strategies that the taskforce on employment is responsible for. As Chair of the G20 Youth Summit, I headed to Paris with a...Read More

+SocialGood

UNDP's Helen Clark Hosts Twitter Chat for...

[PHOTO] UNDP Chief @HelenClarkUNDP discusses development goals for You+Davos+SocialGood,

UNDP's Helen Clark Hosts Twitter Chat for...

UNDP Chief discusses development goals for You+Davos+SocialGood,
+SocialGood

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Are you between the ages of 10-24? Here is your chance to let your voice be heard!

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS and its partners including UNICEF and Population Council have launched a social media  campaign tagged #HIVmata to gather input from Adolescents and Young People (AYP) for the development of the National HIV Prevention Strategy for Adolescents and Young People (AYP) in Nigeria.

HIV/AIDS is one of the most important challenges of our generation. According to UNICEF Nigeria,  The present generation of young people is the largest in Nigeria's history. Coincidently, the higest rate of HIV infection is constantly recorded among this group 

A quick on-line survey  for Adolescents and Young People  have been developed around  variety of HIV-related issues such as HIV prevention education, condoms, HIV counselling and testing (HCT), HIV treatment, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) for young people from  ages  gr10-24.

This survey takes 5 minutes  answers will be completely confidential and anonymous.

Getting Adolescents and Young People (AYP) to share their views  will make the development of the National HIV Strategy for AYP in Nigeria more robust.

This survey is open till the 21st of April 2014. 


Friday, March 28, 2014

First High-Level Meeting of the Global...

First High-Level Meeting of the Global...

The first High-Level Meeting of the Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation marks a major milestone in the global fight against poverty. Over 1300 development leaders will join Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Mexico, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and OECD Secretary-General Gurría in Mexico City to: review global progress in making development co-operation more effective; agree on actions to boost progress; and, anchor effective development co-operation in the post-2015 global development agenda. The leaders who will come together in Mexico City include heads of state and government, ministers, parliamentarians and leaders from international organisations, business, civil society and...Read More
+SocialGood

Advancing Women’s Rights in a Changing...

Advancing Women’s Rights in a Changing Landscape for Development Co-operation

Advancing Women’s Rights in a Changing...

Development actors worldwide accept that advancing women’s rights and gender equality is not only a desirable goal, but a cornerstone of any successful sustainable development framework. Women and girls are in the public eye and recognised as key agents in development as never before. “Investing in women and girls” is increasingly heralded as a keystone strategy for women’s economic empowerment, and indeed, for broader development and economic growth. Variations on this discourse are coming from as diverse actors as the World Bank , Newsweek , and Walmart . Funding agencies and international NGOs have increasingly adopted the language of “investing in women” via new policies and programmes. Corporations are emphasising women...Read More
+SocialGood

CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE NIGERIA: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS


"Every single day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age. This makes the country the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world".- UNICEF

Women, newborns and young children continue to die in Nigeria because of the  failure of the society to address their situation. The time is right for a change to save the lives of our mothers and children.  Although analyses of recent trends show that the Nigeria is making progress the pace still remains too slow to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child and maternal mortality and ensuring universal access to reproductive health by 2015. This is where Champions for Change comes to play

About Champions for Change- Nigeria

Champions for Change empower Nigerian leaders and organizations to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) through advocacy, education, storytelling, and strategic partnerships. Champions for Change (C4C) leverages a program model developed by its sister initiative, Let Girls Lead, which has contributed to improved health, education and livelihoods for more than 3 million girls globally since 2009. C4C and Let Girls Lead's model drives change through the passage of national laws, implementation of programs, and distribution of funds to save the lives of women, newborns, and children, protect girls from violence, and ensure access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. C4C and Let Girls Lead are based at the Public Health Institute, a leader in global health and development for over 30 years.

Call For Applications

This innovative initiative is building a movement to improve RMNCH outcomes, while enhancing the ability of participating organizations to advance change for mothers, newborns, children, and families in Nigeria. Participation in C4C confers a wide range of benefits for selected leaders and organizations, and requires the full commitment and engagement of individual and organizational participants. Organizations selected for Champions for Change Nigeria commit to participate in an intensive and transformational 18-month RMNCH advocacy capacity building and organizational strengthening program. Qualifying organizations must complete a competitive written application and in-person interview prior to selection for C4C. To be eligible to participate in C4C, organizations must fulfill the selection criteria listed at the end of this document, as well as nominate at least two qualifying staff members to participate in C4C on the organization’s behalf.

Benefits for Participating Leaders & Organizations include:
· Participation of two senior or mid-career leaders per organization in C4C’s Champions Series & Advocacy Labs, a sequence of three intensive 5-day workshops and targeted 2-day trainings. Participants will strengthen their existing expertise to learn effective strategies for RMNCH advocacy at the local, state, and national levels in Nigeria, develop innovative advocacy campaigns, and gain skills in organizational effectiveness and leadership.
· Access to RMNCH advocacy funding and resources for effective advocacy campaign implementation. Organizations selected for C4C are eligible to participate in a competitive RFP process with a total of over $500,000 available in RMNCH advocacy funding.
· Tailored leadership support through individualized executive coaching, professional development, and technical assistance for participating leaders and their organizations.
· Increased visibility and enhanced opportunities for collaboration through membership in C4C’s existing global network of over 100 Champions and advocates.
· Advance access to dedicated tools and resources, including C4C’s field-tested advocacy curriculum, policy briefs, case studies, and video advocacy resources. 

Requirements for Participating Leaders & Organizations include:

· Demonstrated organizational capacity and commitment to improving RMNCH outcomes in Nigeria.

· Approval of organizational and individual participation by the institution’s Board of Directors.

· Full participation in all C4C events as scheduled, including a total 21 days of capacity building workshops in Abuja, Nigeria between June 2014 and December 2015.

· Completion of in-depth organizational assessments and participation in monitoring site visits by C4C staff and evaluators.


Champions for Change Selection Criteria

Organization Participation Criteria

To be eligible for C4C, applicant organizations must meet the following selection criteria:

· Legally registered as a non-governmental organization with the Government of Nigeria

· Governed by a Board of Directors or other formal management structure

· Employ at least three full time staff members

· Demonstrated commitment to leading social change and at least five years of experience in one of the following fields:

· Reproductive Maternal Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH)

· Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

· Public policy, advocacy, and outreach

· Media and communications

· Community mobilization and development

· Related fields


Staff Participation Criteria

To be eligible for C4C, staff nominated by the applicant organization must meet the following selection criteria:

· Leaders between the ages of 18-65 (at least two per organization)

· Legal residents of Nigeria (Nigerian nationals strongly preferred)

· Support from the nominating organization to participate fully in all C4C activities between June 2014-December 2015

· Full time employment status with the nominating organization

· Commitment to social change and at least five years of experience in one of the following fields:

· Reproductive Maternal Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH)

· Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

· Public policy, advocacy, and outreach

· Media and communications

· Community mobilization and development

· Related fields


For more information about Champions for Change, please visit www.championingchange.org, and/or contact Rufaro Kangai, Program Manager of C4C, at rkangai@phi.org. or Theresa Kaka Effa, Nigeria Country Coordinator of C4C, at c4cnigeria@gmail.com.

Further information and application materials for interested organizations are available for download at www.championingchange.org 

The C4C application deadline is Friday, April 4th, 2014. A team of C4C interviewers will be in Nigeria in late April, 2014 to interview selected candidates.



Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Swag for Good

See how one company turned a tech conference custom on its head at SXSW this year.

Swag for Good

See how one company turned a tech conference custom on its head at SXSW this year.
+SocialGood

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Women +SocialGood

​Celebrate International Women's Day with +SocialGood! #socialgood

Women +SocialGood

Celebrate International Women's Day with +SocialGood!

+SocialGood

Twitter Can Detect HIV Outbreaks in Real-Time,...

A team of UCLA researchers found that Twitter and other real-time social media can be used to track HIV outbreaks and drug behavior, potentially helping detection and prevention efforts.

Twitter Can Detect HIV Outbreaks in Real-Time,...

A team of UCLA researchers found that Twitter and other real-time social media can be used to track HIV outbreaks and drug behavior, potentially helping detection and prevention efforts. The team's study , published in the journal Preventive Medicine and conducted through the Center for Digital Behavior at UCLA, suggests a link between geographic outbreaks in the U.S. and tweets with phrases that indicate drug-related and sexually risky behavior. See also: Use Social Media to Fight for an AIDS-Free Generation Researchers collected more than 550 million tweets between May 26 and Dec. 9, 2012, and developed an algorithm to find phrase including words such as "sex" and "get high." They then plotted those tweets on a...Read More
+SocialGood

Investing in Women

With International Women’s Day only a few days away, it’s important to assess where we stand in terms of gender equality. #socialgood

Investing in Women

With International Women’s Day only a few days away, it’s important to assess where we stand in terms of gender equality.
+SocialGood

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

A Million Votes for Education in the Post-2015...

1m people voted in the global MY World survey for education as a priority. #socialgood

A Million Votes for Education in the Post-2015...

One million people have voted in the global MY World survey for education as a priority.
+SocialGood

Contagious Content: The Role of Social Media in...

The global health community learns the power of "going viral." #socialgood

Contagious Content: The Role of Social Media in...

The global health community learns the power of "going viral."
+SocialGood

Mobile Health

Family planning has long been a key component of policies and planning across the health ambit in India. What quintessentially remains to be seen is the impact of these. Exploring dimensions of this singled out component of health and welfare,

Mobile Health

Family planning has long been a key component of policies and planning across the health ambit in India. What quintessentially remains to be seen is the impact of these. Exploring dimensions of this singled out component of health and welfare, if it were to be analysed, the untraveled long road is still there. But yes so is the determined spirit and minds of so many who board that journey. Through myopic vision the concept of family planning would seem to have failed in controlling the population burden on the National Income and country’s GDP. The population has grown steadily and continues to do so till date. But for now let’s do the reverse and visualise the bigger picture. Let’s focus on the rate at which it is...Read More
+SocialGood

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Activist and entrepreneur Esther Agbarakwe  was honored as one of the '100 Guardians of the Future' under the category of Advocates and Change Makers. She co-founded the Nigerian Youth Climate Coalition, the biggest youth climate movement in Nigeria, and is a strong advocate for sustainable development.


Defining a World with New Power

Technology gives journalists new power. Instead of complaining about the dramatic shifts in our industry, we celebrate it because it provides new ways of solving age-old problems that allow journalists to go far beyond storytelling.

Defining a World with New Power

Technology gives journalists new power. Instead of complaining about the dramatic shifts in our industry, we celebrate it because it provides new ways of solving age-old problems that allow journalists to go far beyond storytelling. In a country like the Philippines, where institutions are weak and corruption is endemic, we can capture the zeitgeist of a frustrated society, push action and help build institutions bottom-up. Which is exactly what we set out to do in Rappler . Using a patented user-engagement model, we link the main components into a cycle driving action. Content creation is amplified by social media, which allows engagement that leads to crowdsourcing. The most immediate easy action is to click how you...Read More
+SocialGood

Tiny Call Center Provides Health Services to...

"The callers are living in areas where transportation is difficult for them, like a pregnant woman walks for five kilometers to go to the health center, so we advise them to avoid overworking," Namasala says between answering calls

Tiny Call Center Provides Health Services to...

By Zoe Fox BALAKA, Malawi — Doreen Namasala presses talk on her neon pink desktop phone to answer the latest call to the VillageReach health hotline. Speaking in Chichewa, the hotline worker asks the caller for her name, whether she is pregnant, when she is due and what symptoms she's experiencing. With the help of a custom software program and spiral-bound manual, Namasala will recommend a plan of action — perhaps getting rest or visiting a medical professional — after a few minutes on the phone. "The callers are living in areas where transportation is difficult for them, like a pregnant woman walks for five kilometers to go to the health center, so we advise them to avoid overworking," Namasala says between answering calls ...Read More
+SocialGood

New Power +SocialGood

New Power +SocialGood

Tune into this high-level discussion with speakers including Sir Richard Branson, Kathy Calvin, Gary White and Matt Damon, Chris Elias, Jeremy Heimans, Hannah Jones, JR Kerr, Kumi Naidoo and Hans Vestberg to explore how these emerging models can help us shape our world in coming decades and envision a bolder #2030Now. 
+SocialGood

Friday, January 31, 2014

Putting our Foot Down on Development

Looking back on 2013 we can be pretty positive about progress on development goals.

Putting our Foot Down on Development

Looking back on 2013 we can be pretty positive about progress on development goals.
+SocialGood

You+Davos+ SocialGood: What We Heard

On Tuesday, January 14, thousands of people from places around the world joined an important conversation in the lead-up to the World Economic Forum in Davos.

You+Davos+ SocialGood: What We Heard

On Tuesday, January 14, thousands of people from places around the world joined an important conversation in the lead-up to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
+SocialGood

Agora Entrepreneur Commitments

Agora Entrepreneur Commitments

Join Agora Partnerships and +Social Good at the Residence of the US Ambassador to Nicaragua to hear 36 passionate entrepreneurs from all across Latin America share their commitments to creating social and environmental change in Latin America. Tune in to +Social Good for a short live-streamed event at 7:45pm CST / 8:45pm EST on Thursday, January 30th.
+SocialGood