David Nabarro was a mentor and friend to some close colleagues of mine in climate, diplomacy, food systems, and sustainability. He reached so many more people, however, because he was open to treating anyone with good ideas and a good heart as a colleague, even if they were much younger or just starting out. I met him many times, but one stands out, as it led to much of the work that followed.
Years ago, before the pandemic, there was an effort by a few countries, in closed meeting alongside a major intergovernmental convening, to close off funding for a crucial source of food aid. After the meeting where that effort was thankfully defeated, Dr. Nabarro and I spoke at length. We talked about the need for resilience value insights, and he said (paraphrasing):
Years ago, before the pandemic, there was an effort by a few countries, in closed meeting alongside a major intergovernmental convening, to close off funding for a crucial source of food aid. After the meeting where that effort was thankfully defeated, Dr. Nabarro and I spoke at length. We talked about the need for resilience value insights, and he said (paraphrasing):
We need all the insights and data points we can get that show the world-building value of sustainable practices, especially around food systems. We need the data, and we need people working to turn that information into standard practice—for farmers, for investors, for governments.
We agreed to keep talking about that, and had several more conversations over the years on ways in which we were seeing progress toward better information being more widely available, to support food systems and everyday investments that support the health of people and Nature. So much important work followed from that one conversation, as well as many personal connections and friendships. I am grateful for the time he dedicated to others, to boost our collective efforts, and I am reminded of the many good things that can flow from putting a little time and attention where it is needed.
A lesson I have taken from watching David Nabarro do his work is that hearing what matters to others makes leadership possible. That means paying attention to people you might not know and who cannot do you favors but who might share vital insights and honestly represent a widespread human interest.
It also means honoring the value you find in others, and letting them develop their voice and hold the spotlight when theirs is the voice that matters. The world will not be made more just, sustainable, and prosperous, by gatekeepers and autocrats; it will be made so by those who honestly work to center and uplift the human element, and who don’t stop until the work is done.
David Nabarro died, suddenly and tragically, on the way to the United Nations stocktake on progress made in four years since the historic Food Systems Summit. He was still working to be of service, and to consciously and commitedly mentor future generations of leaders and humanitarians. He will be missed, by so many friends and by those he helped to build up and empower. At this moment, many are working to carry his legacy forward.