An Historic Partnership to Empower African Voices and Promote Global Change
On December 17, 2024, an exciting new chapter in global advocacy for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was written as Trace, the renowned media company, and the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN) launched a groundbreaking partnership.
The joint effort is set to promote key SDGs, especially gender equality, and to elevate African and diaspora voices on the world stage.
The partnership was officially announced during a digital press conference held at 3 PM GMT+1, featuring distinguished leaders from both organizations.
Olivier Laouchez, CEO and Co-Founder of Trace; Dr. Djibril Diallo, CEO & President of ARDN; Richard Gant, ARDN’s Art, Culture, and Sports Chair; and Chancellor Emeritus Elizabeth “Beth” Stroble, ARDN Chair for Higher Education, all shared their visions for a future where African culture, gender equality, and sustainable development are at the forefront of global change.
A Vision for Transformative Impact
Dr. Djibril Diallo, the passionate and visionary leader of ARDN, opened the event with a powerful statement about the importance of the partnership. “This collaboration represents more than just an alliance between two organizations; it is a call to action for a united front that will create pathways to amplify voices, connect communities, and drive lasting, positive change,” he said.
ARDN, with its longstanding commitment to advancing the SDGs, has long focused on issues such as youth empowerment, climate action, and gender equality. Through this partnership with Trace, a global media powerhouse known for its cultural influence and reach, ARDN now has the tools to bring those issues to a global audience in innovative and impactful ways.
Key Focus: The ARDN Red Card Campaign
A central initiative of the partnership is the ARDN Red Card Campaign, a global movement aimed at ending gender-based violence, empowering women and girls, and fostering collective action. The symbolic gesture of showing a “red card” is meant to signal a collective commitment to ending discrimination, violence, and injustice towards women and girls worldwide.
The campaign’s impact will be amplified by Trace’s Trace+ streaming platform, which reaches millions of viewers across the globe, particularly in Africa and the diaspora. The Red Card Campaign will not only raise awareness of these issues but also galvanize people to take concrete action towards gender equality.
A Musical Collaboration: Afrobeat for Change
To further amplify the campaign’s message, Trace will produce a special Afrobeat remix of the campaign’s theme song, “Africa Open for Business” (AOFB). The remix will feature a prominent Afrobeat artist and will be showcased on Trace’s global networks, celebrating Africa’s innovative spirit and the boundless opportunities the continent offers. This musical collaboration is a unique way of uniting art, culture, and social advocacy to inspire a global audience.
Partnership with the NNPA: A Shared Legacy
In addition to the partnership between Trace and ARDN, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) also pledged its support. The NNPA, with its 230-member newspapers across the United States, represents the voice of African American communities and has a legacy of over 80 years of advocacy for civil rights and social justice.
The NNPA’s support will help extend the reach of the ARDN-Trace partnership to millions of readers, further amplifying the voices of African and diaspora communities in the fight for gender equality, education, and sustainable development.
A Closing Call to Action
As the press conference drew to a close, Dr. Djibril Diallo once again called on all partners and stakeholders to engage in this global movement. “Let us leave here today with renewed energy and a shared understanding that the time to act is now,” he said. “Our work has only just begun, and with our combined efforts, we can achieve a future that is inclusive, equitable, and empowered.”
With the collective efforts of Trace, ARDN, the NNPA, and countless advocates worldwide, this partnership is poised to inspire meaningful change and accelerate progress toward the SDGs. Through unity, creativity, and a shared commitment to gender equality, the road to 2030 just got a little clearer.
The Future is Now
The collaboration between Trace and ARDN marks a defining moment in the global conversation about sustainable development. By elevating African voices and pushing forward key SDGs, they are setting the stage for a more inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable future.
As Dr. Diallo closed his remarks with the Senegalese phrase, “JERE JEFF!” (Thank you), it was clear that this partnership, built on the principles of solidarity and shared purpose, will continue to resonate far beyond the digital press conference, creating lasting change and inspiring a global movement.
Stay tuned for more updates on the initiatives that will shape the future of Africa, the diaspora, and the world.
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