Kimani Graham, a sales support supervisor at JN Life Insurance, is making a significant impact by linking life insurance with poverty reduction, showing that practical solutions can stem from unexpected sources.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015, aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and promote peace and prosperity by 2030. While these goals may seem ambitious to some, Graham is proving that change can begin right at home.
Graham, passionate about both sustainable development and the insurance industry, represented Jamaica earlier this year at the Global Leadership and SDG Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There, she presented a compelling proposal on how life insurance, often seen as a safety net, can play a critical role in reducing poverty, directly aligning with SDG 1: No Poverty.
How Life Insurance Can Help Fight Poverty:
In her research, Graham discovered that life insurance not only creates jobs (e.g., through employment at JN Life Insurance) but also provides families with financial support in times of crisis. If a family member dies or is diagnosed with a critical illness, the insurance can cover funeral costs or medical treatment, alleviating financial burdens. Any remaining funds could be reinvested, creating a foundation for generational wealth. Graham’s presentation demonstrated how life insurance products, such as critical illness insurance and pensions, could help families build financial security, which resonated deeply with the forum’s audience.
Her presentation was well-received, and Graham was chosen as one of six final presenters from 30 SDG champions representing their countries. It was a proud moment not just for Graham but for Jamaica as well.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Despite not receiving funding to attend the conference, Graham took a leap of faith, funding her own trip. “I saw the ad on Instagram and thought, ‘I’m almost 30. I don’t want to live with regrets,’” she recalled. After a long and exhausting journey, she arrived in Kuala Lumpur determined to represent her country and share her vision for using life insurance to tackle poverty.
Since returning home, Graham has continued her advocacy work. She uses her Instagram platform, where she has over 1,000 followers, to raise awareness about the SDGs and their importance to Jamaicans. Additionally, she has submitted a proposal to JN Life’s Managing Director, Hugh Reid, for the installation of recycling bins on company property, contributing to SDG 13: Climate Action.
Support from JN Life:
Reid praised Graham’s initiative, noting her ability to connect global goals with local actions. “When one of our own steps onto the global stage to champion solutions for poverty and climate action, it shows a deep passion for people and reflects the values we hold as an organisation,” he said. “Kimani’s proposal at the UN SDG conference was visionary. We are immensely proud of her and are exploring how to implement her suggestions.”
Graham’s understanding of the SDGs began during her time at Caribbean Maritime University, but her passion for climate action was ignited even earlier. She’s been participating in the International Coastal Cleanup Day since high school, after her cousin, a Science Club member, introduced her to it.
Grassroots Involvement and Future Goals:
Active in the Global Youth Network and deeply involved in her community in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Graham continues to encourage young people to contribute to nation-building. She shares her vision of launching more initiatives that can benefit not only Jamaica but also the global community.
Graham is aware that many Jamaicans do not yet see the relevance of the SDGs in their daily lives. However, she believes that education and awareness are key to bridging this gap. “People think the SDGs don’t affect them, but they do,” she emphasised. “They are connected to employment, healthcare, the quality of our water, and the education we receive. For instance, when I was a child, there was a beach in Hellshire where we used to play. Now, the shoreline is gone, and the sea splashes against the shops. That’s climate change. That’s why SDGs matter.”
Kimani Graham’s work exemplifies how a small connection—between life insurance and poverty reduction—can contribute to a broader effort of sustainable development. Through her dedication and innovation, she is helping to create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.