Africa SDGs Photos: Innovation In Promoting Sustainable Development
Photography. It speaks volumes. No doubt a photo sparks observation, analysis, and conversations of captured moments in multidimensional perspectives. It taps into people a range of emotions that words simply fail to.
We, Sahara Ventures, used this incredible form of art coupled with social media campaigns to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through our campaign — Africa SDGs Photos. We organized a two day exhibition showcasing monumental photographs captured by some of the most passionate photographers from Tanzania. Each of these photos had a thousand words to explain how the sustainable developments goals, or, if you will — “the world’s to-do list” (SDGs in action) are to be implemented not only by the UN agencies or government officials but also by every human being on the planet.
“In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” — Alfred Stieglitz
These goals are for a greater cause, a cause so big that they target human beings at a global perspective.
“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.” — UNDP website
Africa.SDGs.Photos, a visual initiative leveraging the power photography and social media to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa, was backed by prominent guests such as Mr. Alvaro Rodgiruez — the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, as well as Mr. Arthur Mattli — Ambassador to the EAC and Zambia. Their presence on the event signified the importance of the initiative, acknowledging a step ahead to making headway towards these goals.
Photographs are worth a fortune when portraying moments sparking conversation on matters regarding the heart, good health and well being, humanity… basically — life. Let us use visuals more often to address matters of sustainable development in our local communities, across countries and continents, and finally the world at large using captivating initiatives as the likes of Africa SDGs Photos. More innovative breakthroughs like this will transform these goals into achievements.
Special courtesy goes to:
The United Nations — Through The UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, for his presence and support in the the event.
The Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania — through Mr. Arthur Mattli, the Swiss Ambassador to the East African Community (EAC) and Zambia, for his immense support before and during the event.
Rasheed H. Rasheed — a photographer capturing moments around him for willing to share with us the best ones from his digital library for this greater cause.
Imani Nsamila — another passionate and enthusiastic photographer for letting us share his pics for this greater cause and his willingness to share the incredible stories behind each one of them.
Photographers — who took it upon themselves to share moments they experienced through their beautiful photographs for the greater cause of achieving the global goals for sustainable development.
Article By Mathew Mulisa Rugaimukamu
