Deputy Secretary-General, at Youth Empowerment Initiative Webinar, Says Nigeria’s Young People Hold Key to Creative Solutions for Advancing Sustainable Development

Following is the text of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed’s video message for the Initiative for Revival and Sustainable Development 2021:  Youth Empowerment Initiative Webinar, today:

Mr. Mohammed Shahid Ahmed, members of the steering committee, dear friends, greetings from the United Nations.

We are meeting at a difficult moment for our world.  COVID-19, the climate crisis, terrorism, poverty and gender inequality are just some of the challenges that people everywhere are facing in their daily lives.

But in tackling these challenges, we have an opportunity to chart a better future and to deliver the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals for everyone, everywhere.

Africa is home to more than 220 million young people.  Nigeria accounts for one fifth of those young people.  Nigeria’s youth are an incredible resource of energy and ideas that can lead the country through its current challenges and into a new era of inclusive and sustainable development, where the social contract between States and their people is sacred.

Young people hold the key to creative solutions, and as digital natives, you can drive innovation and accelerate progress.  You are essential partners for development.  You amplify outreach and multiply impact.  That’s one reason why Nigeria is a leading destination for start-up investments.  The young people of Nigeria are driving the fintech industry, e-commerce, the digital economy, creative industries and innovation in agriculture. 

More broadly, you are the strongest advocates for improving governance; building just and inclusive communities; restoring the social fabric; and taking bold action to tackle the climate crisis.  On all these issues, your leadership can have a transformative impact.  This is central to responding to global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.

I reiterate the commitment of the Secretary-General and the entire United Nations family to increase our support and develop deeper engagement with young people, set out in our United Nations Youth Strategy.  As part of these efforts, the United Nations team in Nigeria held a dialogue with young people last November to discuss practical ways to harness the full potential of youth. 

I urge you and all young Nigerians to continue your important work, taking concrete and radical action to build a better future for Nigeria.

Thank you.