Africa
WITH over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, the youth hold the key to the country’s future. In recognition of this, the United Nations Foundation has launched Once Upon a Future, a global campaign calling on young people across the globe — including Nigeria’s vibrant youth — to engage in the UN Summit of the Future and join millions of others worldwide in taking action for a better future.
This campaign encourages Nigerian youth, who are at the forefront of change in Africa, to shape the future of global cooperation. A key highlight of this campaign was a YouTube streaming event held on September 22, featuring a diverse cast of creators, influencers, and leaders from around the world. The event inspired Nigerian youth to play an active part in global decision-making by exploring the role young people have in building a sustainable, inclusive future.
Hosted by the United Nations on September 22 and 23, the Summit of the Future brought together world leaders, civil society, and young change makers to reset global cooperation and address the critical challenges of the 21st century. For Nigeria’s youth, this summit provided a unique opportunity to voice their ideas and perspectives on the future they envision — one that prioritizes peace, security, digital inclusion, and sustainable development.
A Call to Nigerian Youth: What If We Get It Right?
The Once Upon a Future campaign took a positive and hopeful approach, asking the powerful question: “What if we get it right?” In collaboration with award-winning creative agency Droga5, the campaign sought to engage Nigerian youth by encouraging them to imagine a future where global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and digital inequality are addressed through united, forward-thinking action.
Karimot Odebode, an SDG Young Leader from Nigeria, has been vocal about the need for real change in multilateral systems, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in shaping the future. “The future belongs to us, and we have the power to drive the global conversation. The world must listen to the voices of young people, particularly from regions like Africa, where we are most impacted by the decisions made on the global stage,” said Odebode.
Beyond traditional methods, this campaign uses compelling visuals, including eye-catching graphics, animations, and video content designed to resonate with Generation Z and young leaders in Nigeria. The campaign will have amplified the voices and aspirations of young people, ensuring their demands for change are heard during the Summit of the Future.
In addition to inspiring participation in the Summit, the campaign encouraged individuals to take small, meaningful actions in their daily lives through the UN’s ActNow platform. Nigerian youth are invited to make choices that contribute to sustainable development — from promoting eco-friendly practices to advocating for inclusivity in their communities.
Nigeria’s Role in Global Discussions on Climate Change and Security
Nigeria has also been an active participant in discussions on climate change and security in Africa, focusing on addressing rising conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region. As a leading voice in climate action, Nigeria’s involvement in such conversations has helped drive awareness of the urgent need for solutions that address both environmental challenges and socio-political instability.
The Once Upon a Future campaign aligns with these national priorities, calling on Nigeria’s youth to engage in efforts to combat climate change and build a future that is both sustainable and peaceful.
Unpacking the Summit for Nigerian Youth
As part of the campaign, a youth-centric broadcast of the Summit of the Future premiered on YouTube on September 22, and was designed to educate and entertain young viewers. Creators and influencers broke down the Summit’s goals and the Pact for the Future — a new global agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation on peace, security, and sustainable development.
Hosted by Lea’h Sampson and Hallie Haas, the broadcast featured well-known personalities like Heidi Becker, Felipe Neto, and Dan Rosen, alongside creators and UN experts. The broadcast offered an opportunity for Nigerian youth to learn, engage, and feel inspired to take part in building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Building a Better Future for Nigeria and Beyond
With Nigeria’s youth population driving innovation and activism in areas like climate action, entrepreneurship, and digital development, the Once Upon a Future campaign provides a platform to connect their efforts with a global movement. As the world moves toward addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria’s young people have a crucial role to play in shaping the discussions and decisions that will define the future of global cooperation.
The Once Upon a Future campaign is about more than just hope — it’s about taking action and believing in a future that reflects the aspirations of the next generation. Nigerian youth can join the movement by visiting ActNow and participating in this global effort to create a better world for everyone.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of UN Foundation
A.I
Oct. 4, 2024
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