If you really care about the trajectory of development in the world, then kindly accept my invitation to read the Goalkeepers 2022 report. However, you must be ready to go on a journey of mixed and varied emotions which range from bursts of joy and appreciation to that of dismay and frustration.
Written with a data lens to guide our aspirations of a better world, the Goalkeepers 2022 report provides information on progress made, and hints at areas where creativity, innovation, and technology were meaningfully deployed. It also clearly highlights gaps and barriers with data that show at a glance what I call the “for better and for worse” statistics that must to be addressed before we can move in the right direction towards these Goals.
Indeed as highlighted by the Co-Chairs, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates, we need to fast track efforts to achieve the impossible task of attaining the SDGs. As we all know, while the pandemic crisis rocked the world, war broke out in some parts, innovation and resilience was also birthed in some quarters, giving some hope to improving quality of life and offering hope when needed. Everyone has been impacted in one way or the other by these multidimensional global crisis and more pressure has unfortunately been placed on our governments, leaders, systems, and communities thus negatively impacting some of the gains over the years.
As we gather to celebrate some of these global achievers and those making a difference in their communities, I ponder a lot about the challenges ahead and how we can make the best use of the non-material resources that we are all gifted with. I hope to see and feel the passion and sheer commitment while I network with other global leaders in their respective fields and secure collaborations that will better inspire and propel my self and my great team at the Centre for Communication and Social impact to make a difference and support sustainable change.
While I appreciate the opportunity to be nominated a Goalkeeper, I however resolve to push myself to do more, leverage my resourcefulness, challenge some obvious and hidden barriers and norms so I can better reposition myself to make a difference in my world.
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Babafunke Fagbemi is currently attending the Goalkeepers 2022 event in New York City. In previous years, speakers at Goalkeepers have included former presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, and inspiring young leaders. Babafunke has over 25 years taking the lead in developing and managing strategic communication initiatives in various thematic areas of integrated health and social development and promoting the SDGs in Nigeria and Africa. She will be sharing her inspiring work and impacts across Africa at the Goalkeepers and we look forward to experiencing the Goalkeepers event through her lens.
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