Reflections: Ulalo at the 78th United Nations General Assembly
The 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York wasn’t just another gathering of diplomats and world leaders, it was a powerful reminder of the collaborative spirit driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the key stakeholders in attendance were changemakers from across the globe, and Ulalo proudly stood among them, represented by our Executive Director, James Gondwe, and Director of Operations, Resources, and Administration, Chifundo Chidumu.
Their participation underscored Ulalo's ongoing commitment to global dialogue and actionable solutions in pursuit of a more sustainable future.
Ulalo participated in several key events, connecting with like-minded leaders and organizations focused on addressing some of the world’s most complex social challenges. Our engagements during UNGA included active participation in the Clinton Global Initiative, Spotlight Africa, TheSidebar, and Friends of Malawi events. Each provided valuable opportunities for us to share our impact, learn from others, and forge partnerships that have the potential to transform communities for the better.
The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)
James Gondwe attended the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), where he was inspired by the event's focus on Whats Working, which encapsulated the principal of quality over quantity and inclusion. Reflecting on his experience, James shared:
“CGI was a masterclass in connecting big problems with practical solutions. The commitment-making process, pairing awareness with accountability, was particularly inspiring. I left with new partnerships, new lessons, and a renewed sense of purpose. Ulalo is looking forward to making a commitment in the coming year.”
James also highlighted the event’s atmosphere, noting its flattened hierarchy and engaging format, which fostered meaningful discussions and connections with fellow changemakers. Notable encounters included global figures such as Matt Damon and Prince Harry, further underscoring the CGI’s ability to draw people from all walks of life toward a common goal, solving the most pressing challenges of our time.
Spotlight Africa
Director of Operations, Resources, and Administration, Chifundo Chidumu (R) at Spotlight Africa Pose with Wangie Kambuzi Executive Director of Mzuzu E-Hub
Hosted by the Segal Family Foundation, Spotlight Africa brought together an inspiring group of African leaders and philanthropists to collaborate, share, and celebrate. As one of Segal's grantee partners, Ulalo was proud to participate in this event. The discussions centered on critical themes such as investing in young women in technology, mobilizing capital for impact, and promoting disability and inclusive safeguarding.
One of the most impactful takeaways came from a one-on-one coaching session on fundraising with Shoshana Grossman-Cris. James appreciated how she broke down Ulalo’s fundraising strategy into concrete steps and provided invaluable referrals to support our work.
The event culminated in a celebration of African Visionaries, recognizing the incredible work of leaders making a difference across the continent. While Ulalo was not yet on the award list, we remain confident that our name will soon be among the honored, as our impact continues to grow.
TheSidebar
TheSidebar offered a refreshing space alongside UNGA, designed to foster meaningful connections and deep, authentic conversations. In a week as hectic as UNGA, TheSidebar’s informal setting provided a much-needed break and an opportunity for impact leaders to collaborate in a relaxed environment.
James co-hosted a session titled “Building Resilient and Inclusive Education for All” alongside global leaders from TeachUNITED, PEAS, KW Strategy, EIDU, and Lagos ETSF. Together, they tackled pressing questions such as how to ensure quality education for children in underfunded or crisis-affected areas and how to build resilient education systems capable of adapting to challenges like displacement and climate change.
Key takeaways from the discussion included:
Local solutions are key – Engaging communities and local leaders is essential for trust and effective delivery.
Crisis preparedness – Education systems must plan for crises to ensure quick adaptation.
Collaboration for scale – Governments, NGOs, and communities must work together to drive systemic change.
These conversations reinforced that building resilient, inclusive education systems requires collaboration, flexibility, and a focus on both children’s and educators' wellbeing. Read the summary blog for more insights on the session.
Connecting with Partners and Building Networks
UNGA also provided a fantastic platform for networking and partnership-building. We were thrilled to connect with existing and potential partners, including the Segal Family Foundation, Imagine Worldwide, Clinton Foundation, and TeachUNITED. Strengthening these relationships is crucial to Ulalo’s mission as we continue to work towards scaling our impact.
Friends of Malawi Reception
The final event on our list was the Friends of Malawi reception, organized by the Chandler Foundation, the Segal Family Foundation, Yamba Malawi, and the Malawi Permanent Mission to the United Nations. This gathering was a heartwarming and energizing experience. It was exciting to meet many Malawians, some familiar, others new and engage in meaningful conversations about our home country. The reception provided an opportunity to build connections, share experiences, and explore ways to collaborate in driving sustainable development in Malawi.
For Ulalo, the Friends of Malawi event was a reminder of the deep roots we have in our country and the potential that arises when Malawians come together to share knowledge, passion, and vision for a better future.
Final Thoughts
For Ulalo, the 78th United Nations General Assembly was not just a week of events but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. From engaging in powerful discussions on inclusive education to celebrating the achievements of African visionaries, we left New York energized and inspired. The human relationships built during these days remind us that collaboration and community are at the heart of the social impact space.
Looking ahead, Ulalo remains committed to nurturing these relationships and turning conversations into action, knowing that together, we can achieve more.
We look forward to the coming year and the commitments we will continue to make to drive positive change across Malawi and beyond.
Stay connected with Ulalo as we move forward on this journey, forging new paths towards a sustainable future for all.