Hope, Resilience and Action: A Conversation With Hafsat Abiola-Costello

Hafsat, in your work in promoting democracy, women's empowerment and human rights, how do you see climate change as both a challenge and an opportunity for driving systemic change?

Abiola-Costello: Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a governance and economic challenge that will shape the future of nations. It forces us to rethink how we build resilient societies, drive innovation and create inclusive economies. At Vital Voices, where I lead the climate change initiative, we are focused on connecting and elevating women from around the world to shape global climate strategy at all levels. 

I think of Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, who has been leading a movement to restore her city’s environment against overwhelming challenges. Through the #FreetownTheTreeTown initiative, she set out to plant one million trees to combat deforestation and mitigate climate risks. Despite political obstacles, limited resources and a changing climate, more than 600,000 trees have already been planted, with a remarkable 80% survival rate. Her leadership is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets action. Her story is also a reminder that leadership isn’t about waiting for perfect conditions. It’s about taking action with what you have. If we amplify these stories, connect these changemakers and invest in their work, we don’t just fight climate change, we build stronger, more resilient communities. 

In a world where crises seem to unfold in real time, and the constant flood of information can feel overwhelming, many people struggle with fatigue around social issues. How do we stay engaged when disruption feels relentless?

Abiola-Costello: It is true that the speed of news cycles, the scale of global challenges and the sheer volume of crises we are exposed to every day can create a sense of exhaustion. People begin to feel powerless — not because they do not care, but because they do not see how their individual efforts can meaningfully shift the tide. But history reminds us that change does not happen overnight. Every major movement — from civil rights to women’s suffrage — emerged when the cost of inaction outweighed the status quo. 

Democracy cannot be taken for granted — it demands participation. Addressing major social challenges, whether climate change or human rights, requires investment, innovation and action at every level. The most transformative leaders recognize that while they may not control the entire system, they can shape the parts they touch. When enough people take action, small shifts at scale create real change. The lesson is this: when disruption feels relentless, we do not disengage. Instead, we focus on the one or two issues that matter most to us, amplify their impact and carry the message forward within our communities

Technology is often seen as a disruptor, but it can also be a force for real change. What are some of the most exciting ways it’s driving impact today?

Abiola-Costello: Technology has the power to solve real-world challenges, from sustainability to economic inclusion and digital rights. But its impact depends on who builds it and how it’s used. Right now, some of the most exciting innovations include:

• Fighting food waste and improving sustainability. One of the most overlooked climate challenges is food waste. Apps and smart platforms are helping redistribute surplus food, saving millions of tons from landfills while tackling hunger. AI-enabled supply chains are also cutting inefficiencies, making sustainability more actionable for businesses and communities.
• Financial inclusion and economic access. Technology can be a game changer for financial independence, especially for women. Mobile banking and fintech platforms are helping female entrepreneurs access credit and grow businesses, while digital upskilling programs are opening doors to jobs in tech, finance and beyond.
• Protecting privacy. As society relies more on technology, digital safety is no longer optional. Privacy isn’t just about protecting personal data, it’s also about protecting lives. In the U.K., for example, data breaches exposed the addresses of abuse survivors, forcing some victims to flee their homes for safety. Because digital platforms are used to provide crisis support, healthcare, financial services and other critical services, privacy protections must be built into these systems from the start. At a broader level, privacy also plays a crucial role in safeguarding democracy by protecting journalists, human rights activists and individuals in repressive regimes who rely on security to speak out and advocate for change safely.

What role can business leaders play in addressing these issues?

Abiola-Costello: Using climate change as an example, consider the reach of issues across human rights, economic challenges, supply chain vulnerabilities, business risks and market disruptions. When looking at the core issue in this context, it’s clear that climate change is a pressing issue for policymakers as well as corporate leaders, investors and global enterprises. So, business leadership has a critical role to play in areas including:  

• Strategic partnerships and capacity building. Companies can play a key role by offering resources, expertise and strategic partnerships that help expand their reach. This could mean co-developing initiatives, providing access to funding opportunities or leveraging in-house expertise to strengthen their capabilities.
• Climate communications. The climate crisis is also a communications crisis. Too often, the most pressing sustainability conversations are inaccessible, overly technical or dominated by institutional voices, leaving grassroots leaders without the platforms they need to drive action. Businesses, with their media influence and communication expertise, can help shift the narrative, elevating frontline voices, translating climate science into actionable insights and ensuring that sustainability messages are clear, engaging and inclusive.
• Mentorship and sponsorship: Women leading climate action need support, leadership coaching and mentorship to help maximise their impact. Executives, policymakers and leaders can help by sponsoring women in these spaces and ensuring that leadership pipelines include those driving solutions on the ground.

What gives you hope, despite the challenges?

Abiola-Costello:  Hope comes from the people who refuse to wait for permission to create change. Every day, I see individuals, especially women, taking action, whether they have the resources or not. That kind of determination is what drives real transformation. But hope is not passive. It’s a responsibility. That’s why I’m part of Project Dandelion, a movement launched by Mary Robinson to mobilize female leaders to respond to the climate crisis. We recognise that every issue affecting women — whether it’s education, gender-based violence or economic empowerment — is a climate issue. We cannot tackle one without addressing the other.

The scale of collective action gives me hope. In just one year, we’ve reached more than 465 million people, engaged more than 6,500 attendees at climate-focused events and sparked new leadership commitments across sectors. At COP28, we saw women from across the globe stand together, challenging policymakers, corporations and institutions to take bolder action. We are shifting the conversation, making it clear that climate justice is about human rights, governance and equity. 

We’re seeing results: from new corporate partnerships to stronger policy commitments, momentum is building. This isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement, and it’s growing every day.

The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals.