The ONE Campaign marked its 20th anniversary with a significant event focused on “Africa at the Forefront of Global Financing Solutions.” This gathering brought together global leaders to engage in critical discussions addressing urgent issues like climate change, conflict, debt, and health. By merging policy discussions with elements of pop culture, the event highlighted the importance of treating Africa as a co-creator of solutions on the world stage.
The recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has sparked significant reflection on global cooperation, especially as South Africa gears up to host the G20 Summit in 2025. At the heart of these discussions is the critical need to strengthen African agency in addressing global challenges. A dynamic line up of speakers underscored the need for collaborative efforts that prioritise African perspectives and solutions, ensuring that the continent’s voice is not just heard but actively integrated into global decision-making processes.
Deborah Roberts of ABC News opened the event with reflections on ONE’s two decades of impact, highlighting 25 million actions taken and $1 trillion mobilized for development finance. Jamie Drummond, ONE’s co-founder, and Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of ONE, discussed the organization’s mission and future goals, advocating for a shift in perception of Africa as a strategic partner in global affairs.
Panellists, including Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP Africa Bureau, Alexia Latortue, Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development, US Treasury and Serah Makka, Africa Executive Director for the ONE Campaign explored the critical need for African solutions to global problems. The conversation highlighted the need for African agency to be the golden thread connecting all our initiatives—it should shape our actions, methodologies, and focus areas, ensuring we advocate for issues that resonate deeply with African interests. When we prioritise African agency, we can reshape the narrative and foster partnerships that are mutually beneficial, driving progress not just for the continent, but for the world.
CNN’s Larry Madowo moderated a debate that sought to answer the question: Is the Golden Era of replenishments over? Founder and President of mPedigree, Bright Simons emphasized the need for innovative solutions to tackle the growing $175 billion health financing gap, suggesting that radical approaches are necessary to adapt to the changing economic landscape. ONE’s Senior Policy Director for Global Health, Jenny Ottenhoff said, with $80 billion mobilized for global health since 2015, we are in the golden era of replenishments, and we must ensure we stay in it.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of the Africa CDC, and Nisha Biswal, Deputy CEO of the Development Finance Cooperation, joined the Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management in the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Jean-Paul Adam for a conversation on how to turn some of the points highlighted in the debate into solutions and opportunities for world leaders to work with, not for, Africa. This dialogue illustrated the importance of adapting strategies to meet evolving health challenges, ensuring that Africa’s needs are prioritized in global health discussions.
Concluding the event, ONE’s Youth Ambassador, Anoushka Sinha inspired attendees with a call to unity, emphasizing the potential for a more just and equal world through collective action.
As we look to the future, it is essential that the momentum generated from these discussions translates into actionable strategies, empowering African nations and communities for a more equitable and sustainable global landscape.
The event can be accessed on Youtube here: Africa at the Forefront of Global Financing Solutions
