Tony’s Chocolloquium – a play on the word for conversational lectures – was created to showcase how other outspoken instigators from diverse industries are shaking up the status quo, because, according to Tony’s Chocolonely; “a fairer world needs more than just fairer chocolate”.
The Dutch chocolate-making impact company is on a mission to end illegal child labour and modern slavery in the cocoa industry and its five-part series takes the form of 10-minute video chats between host Amelia Høy – actor and activist – and five social activists who have brought about positive systemic change in their different industries.
These include upskirting activist Gina Martin who implemented a new law in the UK, sustainable textile creator Borre Akkersdijk who is democratising responsible design and manufacturing processes, shared economy Hello Tractor appmaker Jehiel Oliver who is disrupting the outdated agricultural ecosystem in Africa, women’s financial liberator Chetna Gala Sinha who is revolutionising banking in India, and political power adaptor Saikat Chakrabarti who is reshaping US politics with candidates such as Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.
Sabrina Spong, Tony’s Movement Lead, said: “Each episode highlights an individual who, like Tony’s, leads by example with a workable solution that inspires others to act. Their stories cover big issues outside of chocolate, but the parallels to Tony’s are clear – influencing industry, disrupting ecosystems, tackling inequality and rewriting the law.
“The change we’re campaigning for in the chocolate industry is change that’s needed the world over. With Tony’s Chocolloquium, we hope to inspire even more people to raise the bar for a more equitable world.”
New episodes will be released every two weeks on Tony’s Chocolonely’s website, Instagram TV and YouTube. The idea is to create uplifting and inspiring content and give a platform for great ideas and facilitating more sweet solutions to society’s issues, the company said.