The Policy Innovation Lab continues to advance its mission of growing a cohesive network within the Goalkeepers South Africa community and driving progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). On November 25, 2024, the network held its fourth regular virtual session, a reflective moment to cap off the year’s milestones and prepare for impactful collaborations in 2025. The session was facilitated by Corina du Toit, Coordinator for the Goalkeepers South Africa Network and Programme Manager at the SDG/2063 Impact Hub at Stellenbosch University.

This final session for the year provided an opportunity for Goalkeepers to revisit and reflect on the highlights of 2024. Members looked back on key moments, including webinars and in-person meetings, as well as spotlight stories that showcased the meaningful work being done within the network by individual Goalkeepers. These activities underscored the collective power of shared learning, purposeful dialogue, and collaboration in advancing the SDGs.

Throughout the year, the Policy Innovation Lab introduced Goalkeepers to foundational tools for effective collaboration. Early in the year, Design Thinking was introduced to familiarise members with this innovative problem-solving approach, which they are now ready to apply to collaborative projects. A session on purposeful networking further equipped Goalkeepers with the skills to intentionally seek out potential collaborators who share aligned goals and passions. A third webinar was presented by Goalkeeper Anne Chisa, who is a seasoned science communicator, on the takeaways of the 2024 Goalkeepers report launched in September 2024.

Building on these learnings, the fourth session set the stage for Goalkeepers to initiate collaborative efforts in the coming year. Participants shared their passions for various SDGs, highlighted their strengths, and discussed the skills they seek in potential collaborators. This exchange fostered a deeper understanding of how partnerships can drive greater impact.

As the network transitions into this collaborative phase, the focus shifts to action. The upcoming year will see Goalkeepers leveraging the skills and insights gained over the past year to form teams and co-create solutions aligned with their shared vision to contribute to the SDGs they are passionate about. With the Design Thinking approach as their guide, they are well-positioned to engage in meaningful projects that drive progress toward achieving the SDGs.

The session concluded with optimism for the year ahead. By reflecting on 2024’s achievements and aligning their efforts for 2025, Goalkeepers are taking decisive steps toward impactful collaborations. The Policy Innovation Lab remains committed to supporting this journey, ensuring that Goalkeepers have the resources and connections they need to make a tangible difference.