This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. As a scientist working at the interface of research, policy and business, my work involves tackling the challenges of moving discoveries to innovations that have value to society environmentally, socially and economically. As an African woman researcher and consultant, my interests are bringing more prosperity to Africa and spreading that hope around the world. As a new Canadian, my interests are in transforming how I see my homeland perceived from a continent with abounding problems to a continent with abounding opportunities. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you, why I think we are in reach of my dream vision and can all participate in accelerating its realisation.

Dr. Eliane Ubalijoro is an adjunct professor of practice for public and private sector partnerships at McGill University's Institute for the Study of International Development, where her research interests focus on innovation in global health and sustainable development. Dr. Ubalijoro is currently designing ISID's Executive Leadership Initiative, an upcoming program to help equip executives in international development with tools that support inner and outer sustainable transformation towards global prosperity.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)