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. Start listening to the episode below.

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.

Connect with Kumi and other changemakers

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