This year’s annual Fall Event, Together We Rise, was an extraordinary celebration of leadership and collective action.
Held on October 19 and set against the backdrop of a year where nearly half the world’s population is going to the polls, this year’s theme highlighted the positive power of local political systems and active citizenship in the rural communities where we work worldwide. With nearly three hundred individuals from around the world in attendance, the event showcased the powerful impact we can achieve when we rise up as leaders and take action, together.
Dynamic speakers exemplified the spirit of our mission, sharing our impact around the world through stories of how people living in hunger and poverty are stepping forward as leaders to create change in their communities.
Ruchi Yadav, Global Program Advisor, The Hunger Project-India, guided the audience’s journey throughout the evening, reminding us that tackling the root causes of hunger is never a straight line, especially given the many interconnected issues that exacerbate it. Her narrative shared about the powerful initiatives of the more than 197,000 women that we have trained in India to strengthen their leadership.
What [these women] do, everyday, is to really rise above patriarchy—above systems of inequity that exist. They break through that, bringing lasting change within themselves and in the communities.
Ruchi Yadav
Matimba Mooya, Nutrition Specialist, The Hunger Project-Zambia, captivated the crowd with her personal, transformative journey over the past 18 months since joining the organization. She shared that she has witnessed individuals reclaim their agency and recognize their potential for change after attending Hunger Project workshops.
This is what true leadership looks like. This is what happens when people are given the tools, the training, and the confidence to take charge of their own destiny.
Matimba Mooya
Tim Prewitt, President and CEO, called attention to the transformative potential of local politics and the power of individuals stepping forward as leaders. Tim illustrated how community members move from “I can’t,” to “I can,” to “We can,” culminating in collective action that fosters sustainable change.
This is how together, we create a world without hunger. Most simply, it’s the power of human potential—individuals stepping forward to lead with intention.
Tim Prewitt
A poignant moment unfolded as the audience moved from darkness to light, lighting candles to symbolize the power of both their individual spark and their collective strength.
In her call to invest, Malin Flemström, Country Director for The Hunger Project-Sweden, highlighted that every act of leadership begins with a single spark. She shared inspiring examples of communities actively working to end hunger as she invited guests to join us in creating a world without hunger.
I am asking you to join me in this movement with your whole heart and with an investment that will change lives. It’s an investment in all of us and in the world we want to see.
Malin Flemström
The evening closed with a surprise flash mob by Big Hit Entertainment, energizing the crowd and adding a joyful, unexpected twist to the event. This vibrant performance brought attendees to their feet, celebrating the spirit of collective action that defined the weekend.
In addition to the main event, two side events enriched the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, more than one hundred people gathered for the launch of Today I Saw A Revolution, the inspiring biography of Badiul Majumdar, The Hunger Project’s Global Vice President and Country Director in Bangladesh, authored by former staff leader Cathy Burke.
On Sunday morning, during The Hunger Project: A Closer Look, participants glimpsed the strategic plan in action – hearing about the latest initiatives by The Hunger Project in the areas of advocacy, youth and private sector engagement, while also exchanging ideas on ways to elevate their own participation in such efforts to create a world without hunger.
As we reflect on the weekend, we are reminded of the undeniable strength we possess when we rise together. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for taking action for a brighter future!
Thank you to our 2024 sponsors!
