GOALKEEPERS 2025: WE CAN’T STOP AT ALMOST
PROJECT: GOALKEEPERS 2025
PARTNERS: GATES FOUNDATION
The Brief
Between 2000 and 2025, the world did something incredible. We cut child mortality in half due to a mix of exciting science, simple solutions and innovative tools. But, in 2025, for the first time this century, child deaths will rise due to cuts in funding for health.
We have almost defeated HIV, almost ended malaria, almost eradicated polio, but we can’t stop at almost.
Project Everyone partnered with the Gates Foundation for the ninth year to produce their annual flagship Goalkeepers, taking place in New York during UNGA. Goalkeepers convened global leaders, philanthropists, civil society leaders, advocates, healthcare workers, creatives and more- all united behind the goal of ending preventable child deaths.
Goalkeepers aimed to address the stark data, exploring how, in the face of these difficult circumstances, we can protect hard-won progress in saving children’s lives.
We also helped to shape the 2025 Goalkeepers Champions cohort, a collection of 10 champions of child health through research, advocacy, and policy from around the world. We were also briefed to produce a Champions Luncheon on the day after the show, a chance to celebrate the Champion cohort with a smaller group of attendees.
The Approach
INSPIRATION
The Show
Alongside the Foundation, we produced an evening show highlighting the powerful science, technology and dedicated people that can help to save millions of children from losing their lives to preventable causes. We weaved together data, storytelling and music to craft a moving, motivational show.
Host Olivia Wilde, and musical co-host Jon Batiste, took the audience on a journey of discovery from addressing the sad reality of the current global health landscape, to a feeling of active hope. We used powerful scripting, working with Oliva and Jon to convey their personal connection to the theme. We worked with Jon Batiste to curate a musical journey that complimented the journey, adding emotional weight to the messaging.
We built 3 sets on stage, a clinic, a child’s bedroom and a lab in order to take the audience on a chronological journey, from when a child is in utero to their 5th birthday, when their chances of survival increase dramatically. We used a demo format to explore the tools and innovations that help to ensure a child survives and thrives at each stage of the journey. We ensured that the audience heard directly from the researchers, doctors and advocates developing these key solutions.
Using storytelling throughout the show, we highlighted the incredible people dedicating their lives to ensuring every child survives and thrives, and the importance of ensuring they are properly equipped and funded.
The Goalkeepers Champions & Champion Luncheon
Project Everyone helped to shape the Champions cohort, managing suggestions by nominating parties and bolstered by our research and knowledge on the dedicated people inspiring bold action on child health.
We managed communication with the Champions and ensured that the majority of the Champions were able to attend the Goalkeepers show and Champions Luncheon in person in New York.
The aim for the Champions luncheon was to be relaxed and celebratory, ensuring that the Champions were front and center. Nomzamo Mbatha hosted the programming, and we worked with her on scripting and preparing for her role. Musician Adekunle Gold turned the luncheon into a party, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere.
Attendees were able to network informally and form real connections, and the selected smaller group felt exclusive and exciting.
“Unequivocally, these experiences are the most touching, memorable, and inspiring moments I have ever had the privilege of enjoying”
The Results
TITLE AREA
- We platformed community healthcare workers, researchers, doctors and innovators on stage, bringing their incredible work to the fore and enabling them to form connections with potential partners.
- We spotlighted the tools and innovations that can hugely impact children’s lives for a global audience including high- level ministers and decision makers on health policy.
- Pedro Sanchez, President of the Government of Spain, was awarded with the Global Goalkeeper Award due to his commitment to increase funding for health, including scaling Spain’s contributions to the Global Fund and Gavi.
In conversation with Reuters’ Alessandra Galloni and President Pedro Sanchez, Bill Gates announced a $912 Million pledge from the Gates Foundation to the Global Fund.