2025 is a big year for us. Shape History turns 10. And what a decade it’s been, filled with incredible highs and unimaginable challenges. But our resolve to deliver impact through the power of communications and creativity has remained steadfast. To mark this milestone, we’re excited to launch The Shape of Things to Come, a new event series exploring what we can expect from the next 10 years of shaping history—kicking off in Nairobi on Wednesday, 28th May with our incredible local partner Girl Effect, followed by a London event on 25th June co-hosted with Charities Aid Foundation (more to come).

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME | BRIDGING THE IMPACT GAP

A new era of impact is here. The urgency of our work is growing, but so are the divides. Whether it’s the gap between global institutions and local changemakers, the disconnect between charities and brands, or the siloed nature of advocacy and funding, these barriers slow progress and limit the scale of our impact. It’s time to break them down.

That’s why the theme for The Shape of Things to Come 2025 is Bridging The Impact Gap.

Across Nairobi & London, we’re bringing together voices from all corners of the sector, creating a space for open, honest dialogue. We’ll be joined by 300 leaders from NGOs, funders, corporations, and government. From using communications to build trust, to storytelling that shifts mindsets—this event will challenge how you see impact. Because to be truly impact-first, we need to understand the shape of things to come.

Our Nairobi event is now at capacity, but if you’d like to be added to the waitlist, please get in touch.

We’re want to say a special thank you to the legends at our brilliant creative powerhouse partner, Our House, who will be capturing every moment. Scroll down to meet the speakers leading the conversation in Nairobi.

10:00 OPENING PLENARY | 10 YEARS OF SHAPING HISTORY

10:15 KEYNOTE | THE INSPIRATIONAL POWER OF POP CULTURE

Girl Effect is an expert in disrupting the conventions of social behavioural change communication, successfully harnessing youth culture to rewrite ideas around sexual reproductive health. Join creative lead Mugambi Nthiga to learn how Girl Effect used television and pop music to reach millions of Kenyan girls and young people, sparking conversations around sex, contraceptives and bodily autonomy.

10:35 LAB | THE ART OF CO-CREATING A BRAND

Co-creation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s how brands break through and build real trust. Join Girl Effect and creative agency Shape History as they share how they co-created the brand for Wazzii, a new sexual health service for young people. From landing on the perfect name to developing a bold visual identity, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how co-created branding can drive impact.

You’ll discover how deep collaboration at every stage can shape an authentic, empowering brand that truly resonates with its audience.

11:35 KEYNOTE | TO BE ANNOUNCED

11:55 PANEL | HOW TO WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS GENDER EQUITY

If we want to continue to pursue progress in gender equity – not to mention defend the wins we’ve had so far – we need a united response that goes beyond the NGO space.

Join gender equity advocates from charities, corporations and private sector organisations, and learn how we can collaborate to further the rights of women and girls.

14:05 LAB | THE FAME GAME: MAKING THE MOST OF A CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR

Celebrity ambassadors were once a shortcut to a can’t-miss charity campaign, but not anymore: audiences are all too used to famous faces filling up their feeds. To truly make an impact today, it’s not enough to just show up with a celebrity—you need to meet your audience where they are. That means leveraging pop culture, co-creating with the people you’re trying to reach, and tapping into the cultural moments that speak to them.

In this session, we’ll dive into how Girl Effect’s campaigns like Wazzii and Tukisonga did exactly that. By combining celebrity influence with real collaboration, cultural trends, and youth-driven insights, they created campaigns that didn’t just get attention—they sparked conversations, shifted attitudes, and inspired real change.

14:40 KEYNOTE | THE POWER OF LOCAL RELEVANCE: BUILDING BRANDS THAT ACTUALLY CHANGE LIVES

15:25 KEYNOTE | THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: THE HOW TO GRAB YOUNG PEOPLE’S ATTENTION

“Youth engagement” has become a buzzword, but what does it truly mean in the reproductive health space? Meaningful participation goes beyond tokenism—it’s about leveraging media and technology to amplify young voices, drive policy change, and address critical SRHR issues. In this session, Sophia Tibaya explores how organisations can create authentic, impactful engagement strategies that resonate with young people and lead to real change.

15:40 PANEL | THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL AID: WHAT’S NEXT?

Global aid is experiencing unprecedented upheaval, as major donor countries slash funds and alternative models surge to fill the gap. Join us for a deep-dive on the future of global aid, and explore the role communications can play in creating certainty in uncertain times.

Missed out on this event? Contact us to find out more about our upcoming events.