As The ONE Campaign approaches its 20th birthday in 2024, with sister organization (RED) on our heels, our co-founder Bono has decided that, after two decades of Board service, the time is right for him to step down from his formal role on the board at the end of this year – though he won’t be stepping away from his commitment to activism or our work. He will also remain a proud co-founder and funder of both ONE and (RED).
In a short note shared with the team today, Bono reflected on this transition, writing:
“I’ll always be a proud co-founder of ONE and (RED) and will remain a funder and fan, but as ONE gets ready to celebrate its 20th birthday in 2024, I’ll be transitioning off the Board. For me this is an evolution, not an ending. I’ll never stop being an activist and I’ve let Gayle (Smith), Tom (Hart) and Jen (Lotito) know they can still count on me if needed to raise an alarm or twist an occasional arm… I am humbled to recognize that ONE’s most powerful lobbyists are now the young activists in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Africa holding power to account every day and outside of the spotlight, not Irish rock stars. I’ll carry THEIR gear anytime.”
The leadership of ONE and (RED) and our activists around the world are grateful that Bono had the vision to co-found these organizations nearly two decades ago. He has put in the work ever since then, both out front and behind the scenes, to support our efforts in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease. While we will miss having him on the Board itself, we know his commitment to ONE and (RED) and our goals is as strong as ever as we move forward.