In July 2024, the Africa Society for Social & Behavior Change (AS-SBC) hosted a landmark event that reshaped the conversation around community transformation. The Virtual Summit on Social & Behavior Change, which ran from July 2nd to 4th, successfully united global experts, practitioners, and policymakers in a vibrant digital space.+1
Under the powerful theme “Cultivating Resilience and Relevance: Harnessing Community Insights and Innovation for SBC Impact in Africa,” the summit served as a critical cornerstone for collaborative efforts across the continent.
Breaking Barriers Through Digital Innovation
Recognizing the evolving global landscape, the summit was strategically designed to be accessible to all. By leveraging cutting-edge virtual platforms, the event featured:
- Live-streamed Keynote Speeches and interactive panel discussions.
- Virtual Poster Presentations and on-demand workshops.
- Online Networking Sessions where participants from 134 countries engaged through live chat and virtual breakout rooms.
- Real-time Collaboration: Attendees utilized a dedicated hub to access resources and download toolkits, ensuring the learning continued long after the sessions ended.
While the main stage was virtual, the impact was local. Country chapters across Africa held concurrent physical engagements, ensuring a diverse and representative gathering of perspectives that grounded global theories in local realities.
Core Pillars of Discussion
The summit explored a wide range of themes essential to the future of SBC in Africa, specifically examining how technology can scale impact:
- Integrated Behavioral Science & Local Knowledge: Sessions delved into the synergy between academic research and indigenous wisdom, highlighting practices that are both scientifically sound and community-approved.
- Community Engagement & Local Narratives: The power of storytelling took center stage, with presentations showcasing how community participation ensures initiatives are grounded in the lived realities of the people they serve.
- Innovative Financing & Sustainable Partnerships: Experts shared case studies on public-private partnerships and impact investing models designed to ensure the longevity of SBC programs.
- Digital Transformation in SBC: From AI to mobile technology and social media, the summit showcased how digital advancements are revolutionizing the way we drive behavior change at scale.
A Call to Continued Action
The AS-SBC Virtual Summit was more than a series of presentations; it was an invitation to transform communities. The event successfully mobilized participation from across Africa, showcasing innovative SBC strategies—such as integrated community health interventions in Uganda and climate-adaptive approaches in Zimbabwe—that have proven resilient and relevant.
As we look back at the successes of the 2024 Summit, we remain committed to shaping a brighter future for Africa through the power of social and behavior change.
Missed a session or want to revisit the materials? The Social Media Toolkit, Poster Presentations, and Virtual Program resources remain vital tools for our community.
- For inquiries: info@as-sbc.org
- Follow the journey: Join the AS-SBC community as we continue to move from insights to impact.