Future Planet Podcast
We are on an adventure to unite the stories and solutions of the pioneers, creating a better future for all. Together, we will journey to every continent, every country, and every community. And ask the question, what is the future you dream of?
We will explore the blockers to us getting there, and we'll ask: What will it take, what do we need, what do you need to create a future where we all thrive in balance and harmony with nature and each other?
Join the FuturePlanet community of action (www.futureplanet.love) to connect with fellow changemakers in creating a future we can all love.
Sign up here:
https://www.futureplanet.love/email-updates
Future Planet Podcast
09. Activism and a lifetime struggle for justice - Kumi Naidoo, Founding Chair at Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity
In this episode, we welcome human rights activist and environmentalist Kumi Naidoo.
Kumi was the International Executive Director of Greenpeace International (from 2009 through 2016) and Secretary General of Amnesty International (from 2018 to 2020).
Kumi served as the Secretary-General of CIVICUS, an international alliance for citizen participation, from 1998 to 2008.
He’s also the author of the deeply moving book ‘Letters to My Mother: The Making of a Troublemaker’ and ‘Can Citizen Action Save the World’.
Together we will explore:
- Kumi's love for artivism, the synergy between arts, culture, and activism
- the elements of his tireless campaigning for economic justice, gender justice, environmental justice, and climate justice
- intersectionality, indigenous rights, and youth rights
- how do movements become mainstream
- what Kumi's message is for a good activist, leader, and changemaker
You can read the action takeaways from this episode, comment, co-create future episodes, connect with fellow changemakers and join us on the journey. You can visit futureplanet.love to sign in or sign up. Let's get into it.
Who is Kumi Naidoo
Kumi Naidoo proudly stands as the Founding Chair at Africans Rising for Justice, Peace & Dignity.
Born in 1965, Kumi's commitment to justice took root early. At just 15, he joined the Helping Hands Youth Organisation, making strides in South Africa's freedom journey.
However, his activism drew the government's eye, leading to arrests and forcing him into hiding. Seeking safety, he moved to the UK in 1987.
While in exile, Kumi thrived as a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, earning a doctorate in political sociology.
Upon Mandela’s historic release in 1990, Kumi returned home, fervently working to legitimize the African National Congress.
Between 1998 and 2008, Kumi led the global initiative CIVICUS, fortifying citizen action worldwide. He co-chaired the Global Call to Action Against Poverty from its start in 2003.
His leadership further shone at Greenpeace International (2009-2016) and Amnesty International (2018-2020).
Currently, Kumi imparts wisdom as a Professor of Practice at Arizona State University's Thunderbird School. He is also a cherished fellow at the University of Oxford and Magdalen College, inspiring many with his journey.
Where shall we go next, what questions shall we ask? To co-create the podcast with us, connect with fellow change makers in the FuturePlanet community of action, visit www.futureplanet.love to sign in or sign up.
