The ABCs of SBC – Details, episodes & analysis

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The ABCs of SBC

UNICEF SBC

Science

Frequency: 1 episode/48d. Total Eps: 18

How does social and behaviour change support child rights? We are on a mission to find out.

Through interviews with experts from across the globe, this podcast explores what Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is and whether it can move the needle forward in the battle for gender equality, climate action, and other complex challenges. Tune in to hear Social and Behaviour Change practitioners across a variety of disciplines share their knowledge, learnings, and experience on whether SBC can help us achieve better outcomes for children across the globe.

Uncover the limits and possibilities of SBC in various global issues — without the complexity, while on your commute.

Learn more about UNICEF SBC at www.sbcguidance.org

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https://www.sbcguidance.org/vision/change-magazine
21 shares
https://www.sbcguidance.org/
19 shares
https://gocommonthread.com/
18 shares

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 89%

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Data Science and SBC

Season 2 · Episode 6

Thursday, January 22, 2026 • Duration 21:49

How can behavioural data science improve social and behaviour change (SBC) programs? Where do machine learning and AI genuinely add value? And what can goat markets teach us about human behaviour?

In this episode, we explore the emerging field of behavioural data science: how it reveals patterns, frictions, and hidden levers in datasets that weren’t necessarily collected with human behaviour in mind.

Recorded at the Behavioural Horizons Workshop at UNICEF’s Office of Strategy and Evidence (Innocenti) in Florence, we hear from behavioural scientists, data scientists, and humanitarian practitioners working at the frontier. They share why better data starts with better questions, why context and culture still matter in a world of algorithms, and how behavioural data science can narrow the gap between evidence, decisions, and people’s lived realities. It’s a candid look at the opportunities, risks, and human choices that determine whether behavioural data science can help drive meaningful behaviour change.

You’ll hear from:

Benjamin Hickler, UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence, Innocenti
Luke Montuori, Senior Psychometrician
Rebecca Moreno Jimenez, Innovation Team, UNHCR
Rafael Batista, Princeton University
Chiara Cappellini, Behavioural Science Group, UAE
Alexandra DeFilippo, Sistema Futura
Patrick Forscher, Busara Center for Behavioural Science

Resources:

Learn more about UNICEF Innocenti (https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/)
Learn more about UNICEF BIRD Lab (https://www.unicefbirdlab.org/)

The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.

The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by UNICEF in partnership with Common Thread.

Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, Why don’t you just behave! For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out the programme guidance.

We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using this feedback form. For all other inquiries, please contact sbc@unicef.org.

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SBC in Faith Engagement to End Harmful Practices

Season 2 · Episode 5

Thursday, October 9, 2025 • Duration 25:46

For generations, harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage have been justified as traditions of identity and belonging, and have, at times, been linked to misinterpretations of religious text – even as they cause life long harm. Today, faith leaders across Africa and the Middle East are reshaping these beliefs from within their own communities, using their moral authority and influence to redefine these traditions and protect the next generation.

In this episode, Qali Id speaks with faith leaders and UNICEF specialists from Uganda, The Gambia, and Iraq to explore how faith engagement is helping end harmful practices, in particular FGM. From sermons that reinterpret religious teachings, to interfaith alliances confronting resistance, to tea-circle conversations that replace top-down campaigns, this discussion reveals how transformation takes root when it begins within communities themselves.

You’ll hear from:

Sheikh Abdallah Sabila, Imam and advocate from Uganda
Dr. Nassim Majidi, Director and Co-founder of Samuel Hall, Kenya
Momat Jallow, SBC Specialist at UNICEF The Gambia
Hadeer Albo Heae, SBC Manager at UNICEF Iraq

Resources:

UNICEF Faith Engagement guide on Harmful Practices, developed in collaboration with Religious for Peace and Samuel Hall
Do you want to learn more on how does Social and Behaviour Change supports interventions in Child Protection? Tune in to our ABCs of SBC podcast’s episode on SBC in Social Norms and Harmful Practices, SBC in Preventing Violence Against Girls, Boys and Women, and SBC in Online Child Protection.

SBC in Support of System Strengthening

Season 1 · Episode 5

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 • Duration 22:35

Systems - you may not see them or feel them but they’re there. When vaccines feel out of reach or voting too arduous a task, it means our systems may need some TLC, R&D and perhaps, SBC?

If you’ve ever wondered about the systems that get vaccines to your arm, mail to your door, and food on your plate - this episode is for you. Qali speaks with Vincent Petit, Global Lead of Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) at UNICEF on why SBC is key to strengthening our systems and preparing for the crises to come.

Resources (in order of mention)

Keep an eye our for the launch of UNICEF SBC’s upcoming magazine on sbcguidance.org or follow Vincent on LinkedIn for updates.

The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.

The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by UNICEF in partnership with Common Thread.

Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using . For all other inquiries, please contact sbc@unicef.org.

SBC in the Planetary Crisis

Season 1 · Episode 4

Sunday, April 7, 2024 • Duration 22:26

Every year, world leaders convene at the UN Climate Change Conference to discuss the urgency of climate change and the need for equitable, people-centred solutions. Could Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) have the chops to tackle such a massive challenge? Can SBC shed some light on the age-old debate on individual change versus system change to reduce emissions?

In this episode, Qali speaks with experts to understand what SBC can tell us about how to navigate an issue that affects us all, but certainly not in the same ways.

Guests (in order of appearance)

Mónica Wills-Silva, Director of International Programmes EMEA at the Behavioural Insights Team
Kash Ramli, Senior Advisor for Behavioral Science at UNICEF
Xaher Gul, Public Health Physician and Development Practitioner
Jon Bonifacio, Environmental Activist and National Coordinator of Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment
Georgina Avlonitis, Urban Ecologist and Programme Manager at UNEP

Resources (in order of mention)

SBC in Preventing Violence Against Girls, Boys and Women

Season 1 · Episode 3

Sunday, March 31, 2024 • Duration 25:09

Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategies have a proven track record in influencing positive choices, from healthy eating to civic engagement. But what about a deeply entrenched and nuanced social issue like violence against girls, boys and women.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of this issue and explore existing SBC interventions working to dismantle these harmful norms. Join Qali on a journey from Honduras to South Africa, as she dives deep into the trenches with experts who are on the ground, working to address the root causes of domestic violence.

Please be advised: There will be mentions of violence throughout this episode.

Guests (in order of appearance)

Mónica Wills-Silva, Director of International Programmes EMEA at the Behavioural Insights Team
Garth Japhet, CEO of Heartlines
Laura de Molière, former Head of Behavioural Science for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office

Resources (in order of mention)

SBC in Emergency Settings

Season 1 · Episode 2

Sunday, March 24, 2024 • Duration 22:09

Sure, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) can help people make healthier food choices and complete important civic processes like voting or registration. But what can SBC do in moments of duress? When conflict erupts? When a natural disaster strikes? When a new virus breaks loose? Does SBC have a role to play in a rapidly unfolding emergency? Can it serve and protect the communities most affected by these emergencies?

In this episode, Qali speaks to SBC practitioners who have responded to emergencies from Lebanon to Mozambique to understand whether SBC can truly serve vulnerable populations in humanitarian emergencies.

Guests (in order of appearance)

Luca Solimeo, Chief of Social and Behaviour Change at UNICEF Lebanon
Xaher Gul, Public Health Physician and Development Practitioner
Mónica Wills-Silva, Director of International Programmes EMEA at the Behavioural Insights Team
Naureen Naqvi, Lead SBC Specialist in Humanitarian Action at UNICEF
Mariana Palavra, Social and Behaviour Change Specialist - Emergency Response Team (ERT) at UNICEF

Resources (in order of mention)

The ABCs of SBC

Season 1 · Episode 1

Sunday, March 17, 2024 • Duration 25:30

Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) brings together a variety of tools to shift the way people and societies behave. When applied to policy, it’s helped reduce traffic deaths. When brought into clinics, it’s helped tuberculosis patients complete their treatments. When brought to US college campuses, it can even help explain why students won’t stop binge drinking. In this episode, Qali speaks to SBC practitioners at UNICEF and beyond about behavioural theory and the power of social norms and how to leverage them for positive change.

More resources on Antanas Mockus:

Guests

Mónica Wills-Silva, Director of International Programmes EMEA at the Behavioural Insights Team
Xaher Gul, Public Health Physician and Development Practitioner
Naureen Naqvi, Lead SBC Specialist in Humanitarian Action at UNICEF
Laura de Molière, former Head of Behavioural Science for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office
Deborah Prentice, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge

Resources

Trailer

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 • Duration 00:54

The ABCs of SBC is a new podcast from UNICEF that explores what Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) is and whether it can move the needle forward on some of the world's most complex challenges. Tune in weekly to uncover the limits and possibilities of SBC — without the complexity, while on your commute.

Stay tuned for the first episode launching March 18th.

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SBC in Community System Strengthening

Season 2 · Episode 4

Monday, September 29, 2025 • Duration 21:53

Sudan is living through war and mass displacement. Yemen faces one of the world’s longest-running humanitarian crises. And in Moldova, far from active conflict but still grappling with inequality, Roma communities remain excluded from the very systems meant to serve them. Across these vastly different contexts, one question emerges: how do communities themselves step in to sustain and shape the systems around them?

In this episode, host Qali Id speaks with UNICEF SBC specialists from Sudan, Yemen, and Moldova to explore the unexpected power of trust, local leadership, and cultural respect in strengthening systems. From youth-run resistance committees, to volunteer health networks, to trusted Roma leaders bridging gaps in access, this conversation highlights how Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) enables communities not just to survive—but to lead the way toward more inclusive and resilient futures.

You'll hear from:

Maha Abasher Khalid Osman, SBC Specialist at UNICEF Sudan
Cristina Stratulat, SBC Officer at UNICEF Moldova
Abdullah Alshehari, SBC Specialist at UNICEF Yemen

Resources:

Related episodes:

SBC in Online Child Protection

Season 2 · Episode 3

Wednesday, August 6, 2025 • Duration 23:03

The internet is where kids learn, play, and connect, but it’s also where they can be bullied, exploited, surveilled, and manipulated. As digital threats evolve faster than the systems designed to protect children, how do we keep them safe in a world that’s always online?

From outdated legal frameworks to overwhelmed parents and disconnected protection services, this episode highlights not just the risks children face online, but the opportunities to involve them and their caregivers as co-designers of safer digital spaces, and how SBC offers a way forward.

You'll hear from:

Afrooz Kaviani Johnson, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Headquarters
Mahwish Saeed Syed, SBC Officer at UNICEF Pakistan
Saji Thomas, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF Gulf Area Office

Resources:

“Digitial Parenting” on the Parent Hub
Explore how UNICEF is tackling violence and exploitation in the digital environment, including a range of actions for parents, governments and companies to keep children safe online.

The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.

The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by UNICEF in partnership with Common Thread.

Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using . For all other inquiries, please contact sbc@unicef.org.

The ABCs of SBC – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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The ABCs of SBC – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other74

LinkedIn13

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other74

LinkedIn13

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