By Shumm-u-él Mulenga Bukata Chanda
In a world marked by complex crises, from pandemics to conflict, misinformation to inequality, few voices echo as powerfully, as clearly, and as compassionately as that of Prof. Obijiofor Aginam. As the Director of the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), Prof. Aginam is not merely speaking to the times—he is shaping them.
A distinguished scholar of global health law and diplomacy, Prof. Aginam’s work embodies the spirit of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), reminding us that health is a global public good, not a national luxury. His vision transcends borders, arguing powerfully that shared vulnerabilities require shared solutions, and that global public health is inseparable from international peace and security.
Through his leadership at UNESCO MGIEP, he promotes transformative education (SDG 4) grounded in empathy, critical inquiry, and global citizenship—essential pillars for a peaceful and sustainable future. His approach to education is not just about knowledge transmission, but about changing hearts and minds, cultivating the next generation of peacebuilders, health advocates, and ethical leaders.
In his scholarship and diplomatic engagements, Prof. Aginam also reinforces SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), championing international cooperation and global health governance as foundations for sustainable peace. His ability to engage state and non-state actors in dialogue reflects the very essence of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—building bridges across sectors, disciplines, and borders.
It was after our encounter in Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 5th Annual Meeting on Global Citizenship Education and the Southern Africa Liberation History platform, that Prof. Aginam’s impact on me became deeply personal. His eloquence, conviction, and global vision inspired me to become a committed champion of the Sustainable Development Goals. That meeting was more than an event—it was a turning point. Since then, I have embraced my calling as a public and global health enthusiast, dedicating myself to the collective mission of achieving Vision 2030 and beyond. His words lit a fire that continues to guide my academic, professional, and advocacy journey.
For young advocates like myself—public health students, aspiring leaders, and change-makers—Prof. Aginam is more than a mentor. He is a beacon of excellence, a vessel of wisdom, and a living testament to what it means to use knowledge for the public good. He is not only teaching the world, he is transforming it.
May his words continue to echo in classrooms, ministries, and communities around the world—and may we rise to the challenge of following in his remarkable footsteps.
