The Optimist: September Highlights

In this month’s newsletter, discover what inspires a changemaker working towards a food-secure Africa, and how we can close gender gaps in agriculture and digital finance. Plus, we share a recap of this year’s annual Goalkeepers event. Read on to learn more about these important topics, and stay up to date with stories, news, events, and more from the Gates Foundation by subscribing to The Optimist today.?

Six picks from an advocate for sustainable agriculture

Goalkeeper Azeez A. SALAWU has spent his life mobilizing change in the agriculture space, founding and continuing to run the Community Action for Food Security, which works toward a food-secure Africa. When we caught up with this advocate and nonprofit founder, he wowed us with his perseverance and commitment to climate activism, sustainable development, and policy reform. Goalkeepers like Azeez understand that in a more food-secure world, we can tackle a crisis that is affecting communities around the globe: malnutrition. We asked Azeez to recommend six picks that inspire him. Dive into his list and get inspired!??

The critical reason to close gender gaps in agriculture

Agriculture is often women’s primary source of income in low- and middle-income countries: Women constitute 66% of Africa’s agricultural workforce. Dr Jemimah Njuki knows this firsthand. Growing up on a small farm in Kenya where she worked tirelessly and, “lived a life defined by gender roles.” Now, as Chief of Economic Empowerment at UN Women, Jemimah has made it her mission to ensure that women in agricultural communities worldwide can succeed and build economic power. Learn how focused investments can expand women’s economic power in agriculture.??

Unlocking women’s economic power through digital public infrastructure

Digital financial tools and services, like online bank accounts and loan applications, are key to building women’s economic power. But many women face major barriers to using them—including cultural norms that restrict women’s autonomy, poor internet connectivity, limited access to smartphones, and low digital literacy. So, how do we connect women with the digital economy? Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa explains how transforming digital systems can unlock women’s full potential and create a more equitable world.???

Our leaders recap this year's UNGA events

Each year, as world leaders gather in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly, the Gates Foundation holds our annual Goalkeepers event. This past Monday, we celebrated the researchers, advocates, and leaders around the world working to improve nutrition for millions of children. It was a moment to spotlight advancements toward the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals and to recommit to progress as we strive for a better future by 2030. From food trucks to live music to inspiring conversations, this week had it all. In case you missed it, a few of our foundation leaders are here to give you a taste with a few highlights below.??

And the Winner Is….?

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman congratulated the 2024 Goalkeepers Award winner, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, for his work to cut down rates of malnutrition. Hear from foundation CEO Mark Suzman about how his innovative and inclusive initiatives are reducing poverty.??

A Conversation on Women’s Economic Power???

How do we ensure that women have access to the tools and resources that build economic power? Gender Equality Division president Anita Zaidi sat down with some of the world’s leading experts to answer that very question.??

AI Meets Agriculture?

During UNGA 79, Global Growth & Opportunity president Rodger Voorhies joined the UN Food and Agriculture Organization to explore how artificial intelligence and other agrifood technologies are offering promising tools against climate change.

Meet our 2024 Goalkeepers Champions?

Each year, the foundation recognizes changemakers from around the world who are leading the charge towards 2030's Sustainable Development Goals. Let foundation Chief Communications director Susan Byrnes introduce you to 10 inspiring Goalkeepers Champions on the front lines of the fight against malnutrition.??

Stay up to date with stories, news, events, and more from the Gates Foundation by subscribing to The Optimist today.

The Optimist is the Gates Foundation’s newsletter with the latest stories, research, and news from across the foundation. Read about this month’s content and subscribe to get weekly updates on the latest in global health, gender equality, education, and more.