FG promises to transform young people’s expectations into policies and actions

The federal government has urged the nation’s youth to express their expectations, ensuring commitment to transforming them into actionable policies and tangible results. This pledge was made by Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development, during the Nigeria Youth Consultative Forum on the “Summit of the Future” (SOTF) held in Abuja.

The forum, a collaboration between the United Nations Inter-Agency Youth Group, the Youth Network for Sustainable Initiatives and the Ministry of Youth Development, serves as a platform for youth engagement in national and global policymaking.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era,” said Dr Ibrahim. “The Summit of the Future is based on your innovative ideas. Together we can chart a sustainable and prosperous path for Nigeria, guided by the vision of its youth.”

Dr Ibrahim highlighted the unique opportunity the forum offers to reshape multilateral systems and address current and future challenges, particularly through the lens of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Our youth, who make up more than 60% of our population, are at the forefront of driving change,” he continued. “This forum aims to capture your views and expectations to shape Nigeria’s contributions to the upcoming United Nations Summit of the future.”

The Minister called for the active participation of young people in addressing critical issues such as quality education, decent work, climate action, gender equality, peace and justice. He highlighted the importance of innovative solutions and inclusive practices.

“Nigeria’s challenges are complex but surmountable,” noted Dr. Ibrahim. “By leveraging technology, promoting entrepreneurship and prioritizing education, we can create a thriving ecosystem for our youth. Inclusion must be at the heart of our initiatives to benefit all segments of society.”

Dr Ibrahim encouraged the youth to be bold and innovative, urging them to help co-create a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for Nigeria.

Mohamed Fall, United Nations Resident Coordinator, underlined the importance of the forum in the preparation of the Future Summit to be held in New York in September 2024. Represented by Walter Mulombo, Fall underlined the importance of reinvigorating multilateralism to reflect the current political and economic realities.

“The Future Summit will build on the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Summit, with the aim of strengthening global cooperation and accelerating the 2030 Agenda,” Fall said. “The main outcome will be an action-oriented Future Compact, covering sustainable development, international peace and security, digital cooperation, youth empowerment and the transformation of global governance.”

Dr. Gifty Addico, UNFPA Country Representative, highlighted the role of youth as the nation’s most valuable asset, advocating strategic investments in their education, health and overall development to harness demographic dividends.

Represented by Deputy Representative Koessan Kuawu, Dr. Addico highlighted the urgency of effective multilateral solutions to address challenges such as climate change and economic instability.

“This event provides a platform for young people to discuss and collaborate on priorities for the United Nations summit of the future,” noted Dr. Addico. “Let us create a future that recognizes and cultivates the aspirations of every young individual.”

The forum concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective resolve to support youth-led initiatives and ensure that their voices are an integral part of shaping the future of Nigeria and the world.

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