Abt Global Britain

Today marks the start of UK Black History Month, and this year’s theme is “Reclaiming Narratives,” to recognise and correct the narratives of Black history and culture. This theme underscores the importance of correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. With that in mind, we have asked our team to share their personal reading recommendations with each other and tell us what’s on their reading list for the month. We will be sharing some of their suggestions here throughout October. We’d love for you to join us in challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals, both in the UK and globally. If you have any suggestions for materials we should add to the team’s list, please let us know by leaving a comment 👇 #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2024 #ReclaimingNarratives

One of our team members suggested Tribes: A Search for Belonging in a Divided Society by David Lammy for our UK Black History Month reading list. It discusses community, identity, and the need for connection in a world that often feels fractured and divided. However, it warns that connections can be both a source of strength and a potential avenue for division. The desire to belong can lead to exclusionary practices when people prioritise their own groups or identities. What other books or resources would you recommend? 👇 #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2024 #ReclaimingNarratives

“Preserving and restoring natural habitats are not only essential to biodiversity, but critical tools in climate change mitigation and adaptation.” - Eric Reading “With a focus on implementation and accountability, COP16 must set the bar high for mainstreaming biodiversity into sectoral priorities.” - Olga Faktorovich Allen “COP16 will be pivotal in demonstrating our collective progress towards [achieving 23 ambitious targets by 2030].” - Santiago Enriquez It’s almost time for the UN Biodiversity Conference #COP16 in Cali, Colombia, where Olga, Eric and Santiago will join environmental leaders from across the globe to discuss how to translate biodiversity commitments into action. Abt is committed to advancing these conversations at COP16 and beyond, ensuring that biodiversity solutions also foster climate resilience. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eS275PBB #PeaceWithNature #Biodiversity #ClimateAction 

One of our team members has added We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo to our UK #BlackHistoryMonth reading list. The novel follows a young girl navigating the complexities of migration, identity, and survival as she moves from Zimbabwe to the U.S., and sheds light on the immigrant experience and the personal and collective stories that are often overlooked. What other books or resources should we add to our reading list? #BHM2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #NoVioletBulawayo

We had the pleasure of welcoming Kathleen Flanagan, President and CEO of Abt Global, to our London office last week. Kathleen shared her vision for the company, along with rich examples of the work we are doing to improve people's lives globally. Throughout the week, we engaged in meaningful discussions with the FCDO and sector partners on critical issues such as global health, including health system strengthening and malaria, Ukraine's economic reform and governance, UK procurement reform, and the UK’s continued leadership in addressing climate change. Equally important was the opportunity to meet and spend time with our amazing, expanded team, and hear about the outstanding work Abt Global is doing in Ukraine, Nepal, Indonesia, Mexico, and Tanzania. #InternationalDevelopment #LandManagementReform #AbtGlobal

This International Day of the Girl Child, we recognise the importance of girls' education in shaping their futures and strengthening communities. When girls are educated, they are better equipped to take on leadership roles, make informed decisions, and contribute to long-term societal progress.   Every girl deserves access to safe, inclusive education, regardless of her background. We are committed to challenging societal norms that hold girls back, and promoting environments where they can develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to shape their futures. For us, gender equality in education is about more than access; it's about empowering girls to become active participants in their communities and beyond.   Through our Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program, we are working to address the barriers preventing girls from accessing quality education. From tackling gender-based violence in schools to engaging communities in supporting girls’ learning, our efforts are focused on ensuring education is safe and inclusive for all. This work is part of our broader commitment to promoting gender equality within education systems.    Through PIE, we provide targeted scholarships, improve safety in and around schools, and train teachers in gender-sensitive teaching methods. We also ensure curricula are free from bias and support the increased participation of women in leadership.   Learn more about the PIE program 👇 https://lnkd.in/eWshwc-H   Abt Global Australia #DayOfTheGirl  #GenderEquality 

No one in Ukraine will be left unaffected by the present crisis. The ongoing war has created significant population displacement and extensive physical and emotional trauma.   The mental health and well-being of the population are essential for recovery and long-term development in the country. Mental health also has an important role to play in social cohesion and security.   The Lancet Psychiatry Commission recently outlined a plan for a future in which Ukrainians receive evidence-based care through a system that values human rights and lived experiences of people with mental illness.   Learn more about the plan 👇 https://lnkd.in/eH2N3Cbb   In Ukraine, the Abt-led, USAID-funded Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS) is helping to build institutional arrangements for telemedicine and provides rapid telemedicine support following the Russian invasion. Mental health-related teleconsultations have risen dramatically from 15k in 2021 to over 137k for more than 10,770 patients in 2023, with psychologists dedicating 37 per cent of their time to teleconsultations.   Read more about the project 👇 https://lnkd.in/eSzPeQqt   #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD2024

For our UK #BlackHistoryMonth resources list, one of our team members has suggested Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s powerful TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, which explores the harm caused by limited and one-dimensional narratives about individuals and cultures. They also recommended Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's acclaimed novel Purple Hibiscus, a captivating story that dives into themes of family, identity, and resilience. Watch the TED Talk here 👇 https://lnkd.in/evDnK7fH What other talks, books, or resources should we add to our list? #BHM2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #ChimamandaNgoziAdichie

One of our team members has shared the powerful and tragic story of Henrietta Lacks. As we honour UK Black History Month, this story reminds us of the need to recognise both the invaluable contributions and the injustices faced by Black individuals in healthcare. Do you have other stories or figures from healthcare that should be highlighted? Share them below 👇 #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #HenriettaLacks

One of our team members highlighted the story of Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse whose contributions to nursing were overlooked for too long. As we continue reclaiming narratives this Black History Month, we’re inspired by stories like Seacole’s that challenge historical erasure. What other stories or figures do you think deserve more recognition? Share your suggestions with us below 👇 #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2024 #ReclaimingNarratives #MarySeacole