UNGA 2025: Connection, Reflection, and Global Momentum

Last week, Sarah Nininger, Founder and Executive Director of Action in Africa, had the incredible opportunity to travel to New York City to attend the 2025 United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week activities, connecting with fellow leaders, innovators, and partners driving Africa’s development during invite-only events and intimate conversations in NYC cafes.

Sarah was struck by the scale of the global stage and the unique position of Action in Africa, saying, “We’re such small potatoes in that space, but the growth, the strategy, and the thoughtfulness behind what we do has weight. I’m so honored to be there for our industry. I’m super energized to keep doing the work we’re doing.”

At Unstoppable Africa, she heard from Strive Masiyiwa, Founder and Executive Chairman of Econet Group and Cassava Technologies, on strategies for scaling impact across the continent. The Gates GoalKeepers Event brought her alongside global leaders including Bill Gates, Pedro Sánchez, the President of Spain, and Krystal Birungi from Target Malaria Uganda.

Bill Gates awarding Pedro Sánchez with the 2025 Global Goalkeeper Award.

Krystal Birungi talking about her work with Target Malaria Uganda.

During Global Citizen events, she heard from inspiring figures including Sabrina Dhowre Elba, CEO and Chair of the Global Citizen EU Board, Francine Katsoudas, EVP at Cisco, and Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone.

At the Spotlight Africa Conversations hosted by the Segal Family Foundation, Sarah engaged with Action in Africa partners and friends from Musana, Monica Nyiraguhabwa of Girl Up Initiative, and Media Challenge Initiative, and celebrated the remarkable work of Tracy Ahumuza, with the Atta Breastmilk Community during the awards ceremony.

Sarah Nininger with AIA Ambassador Monica Nyiraguhabwa.

Natalie Newhard and Sarah Nininger at the Africa Breakfast Conversations hosted by The King’s Trust.

She also attended a conversation with MASS Design, our partners in our new campus construction, on biobased construction materials with James Kitchin, and reflected on how MASS’s dedication to creating a climate positive future will continue to guide our expansion project.

The Africa Breakfast Conversations offered an intimate setting to exchange ideas with leaders from Asante Africa Foundation, Junior Achievement Ghana, ENDIP International, as well as Mumbi Kagombe, Chief of Staff & VP for NBA Africa.It was also an opportunity to reconnect with changemakers like Natalie Newhard, who was first exposed to philanthropy as a high school student through Action in Africa’s Aspen High School Club.

Sarah Nininger and Kareece Sacco - both a part of the USA AIA Team!

Tara Stoinski from the Dian Fossey Foundation and Sarah Nininger

Amid the whirlwind of official events, Sarah made time to celebrate and connect with the people who make Action in Africa possible. She caught up with including coffee with Tara Stoinski of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and took advantage of in-person opportunities to meet with staff and board members Kareece Sacco , Maame Afon and Nav Gupta.

From intimate conversations to global summits, Sarah returned back home feeling inspired, proud, and ready to bring the energy, insights, and connections from UNGA back to Action in Africa, ensuring our organization’s work continues to make a lasting impact on under-resourced communities in Uganda.

“We already do our work remarkably well, but we’ll continue to learn and evolve,” Sarah said. “I left feeling so proud of the work we do, the growth we have, the direction we’re heading, and the thoughtfulness behind all of it.”