25 Tutu Fellows descended upon Oxford for the 2024 Skoll World Forum which took place between 9 and 12 April, 2024. The Skoll World Forum has rightfully earned its reputation as the foremost gathering of actors in the social sector ecosystem, and provides a platform to connect with others, support each other and leave rejuvenated in one's mission.

There was a strong presence of the Tutu Fellows, in various capacities.

2009 Fellow James Mwangi attended in his capacity as a board member of the Foundation, a panelist, and a moderator. 2019 Fellow Dr Angela Gichaga was there as a 2022 Skoll Awardee, and 2010 Fellow Bright Simons as a 2019 Skoll Awardee. Yes, we boast two Skoll Awardees, in our midst… Other Fellows who attended included Edwin Macharia, Ada Osakwe, Gbenga Sesan, Victoria Ohaeri, Lalaina Randriarimanana and Oluseun Onigbinde.

With the support of the Skoll Foundation, a delegation of Fellows driving transformation in the economic development, climate, health and spaces was also present and included Dr Josea Rono, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Dr Abdu Mukhtar PhD, Dr Stellah Bosire, Prof Julie Makani, Marie Alix de Putter, Dr Moses Alobo, Akintunde Oyebode, Neema Ndurungu, Aidan Eyakuze, Catherine Constantinides, Mohamed Cassim, Elizabeth Biney-Amissah, Folawe Omikunle and myself (2010).

Ifeoma Malo participated on the Green Futures Youth & Climate Positive Climate Growth in Africa with the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Denise Aki-Sawyerr, OBE, and moderated by James Mwangi. Aidan Eyakuze participated on the Democracy Delivers panel with Isobel Coleman, USAID’s Deputy Administrator and Hilary Pennington, Executive VP of Ford Foundation.

AFLI partnered with the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOX) and co-hosted a side event, Leading Africa through Great Transitions which was skillfully moderated by the Dr Anne Makena, the AfOx co-director. Three Tutu Fellows, Elizabeth Biney-Amissah, Kelechi Ohiri and Akintunde Oyebode, were panellists and discussed how they are leading through shifts presented by climate change and demographics.

Having so many Tutu Fellows at the same convening, at the same time, presented an opportunity for a mini-reunion and the Fellows renewed friendships and discussed potential collaborations, over a Thai dinner. In Kelechi Ohiri’s words, “In the midst of the vicissitudes of life, it’s a blessing to have such a community!”

Header Image: Skoll World Forum Tutu Fellow James Mwangi moderating a panel on clean energy