IdrisElba is now an advocate for small farmers, having just performed at Davos.
The last time British actor Idris Elba was in Davos during the World Economic Forum, it was to perform as a DJ at a party with R&B superstar Mary J. Blige.
Nearly a decade later, Sabrina Dhowre Elba is back in Swiss Alpine Village as an advocate for food security, and to combat climate change.
Elba said that he had been messaging during his 2014 gig. He told AFP, in an interview, that he was “having a great time guys” at the WEF.
Elba stated that although there were “very, very interesting” people in my audience, it was nothing compared with being here this time. There is also “way more responsibility.”
“There’s no comparison,” the artist said. His talents include spinning discs at Coachella and playing South African president Nelson Mandela in “Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom”.
The Elbas, goodwill ambassadors for UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD), are present in Davos in an effort to get the world’s corporate elite and politicians to do more for African small farmers.
Elba stated that “we have specific goals, specific targeting and messaging to accomplish while we’re there” and added that it was a “very different experience from the last time” he was in Davos.
– “Bad guys and great guys”
The WEF awarded the Crystal Award to the couple for their advocacy efforts on Monday. Elba explained that the poor in the world are seeking investments, and not aid.
Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a Somalia-Canadian model, said that “people are listening, governments step up, but it is not enough.”
She said, “That’s why they’re here and keep banging on doors… because it’s necessary to step up twice as much, three times, four or five times as often, because there is a need.”
She stated that long-term solutions are needed to help people become entrepreneurs, lift them out of poverty and give them pride and work.
Her husband stated that he believed the next challenge was to get the private sector to join.
The role of a drug gang leader in “The Wire,” or as an African warlord, is a completely different one from the feared characters of Davos.
Elba stated that what drives her is the injustice of half the earth eating and half the land not eating. Half the world causes significant damage to our planet. The other half does not contribute (to climate change), but suffers the most.
“That’s unjust. Elba stated, “If this movie is a film, these are the bad men and these are the good boys, you know. And so that’s why I drive.”
– “Not just about aid”
The star couple is accompanied by Alvaro Lario, president of IFAD, at Davos.
“You can see that in their passion. They’re not just trying to build a message out there. Lario stated that they truly believe in it.
The Elbas are now taking their advocacy to another level when they created the Elba Hope Foundation in late 2013 to support their work on food security and climate change.
“It’s about more than giving aid. It’s all about providing solutions. It’s all about supporting startups. Elba stated that it’s all about legal aid. “All these are things that people overlook.”
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