In a significant move to bolster the role of young people in national development, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, has arrived in Nigeria for a high-level working visit.
The mission aims to foster direct dialogue between the global body, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the country’s vibrant youth population.
Strengthening the Youth Mandate
The visit commenced with a strategic meeting between ASG Paullier and UN Nigeria youth focal persons, alongside young professionals currently serving within the UN system. The discussions centered on the current State of Youth in Nigeria, addressing the socio-economic challenges and opportunities unique to the most populous nation in Africa.
This engagement serves as a cornerstone of a broader initiative to ensure that young people are at the center of shaping solutions for the future, rather than being mere spectators to policy-making.
A Call for Inclusive Dialogue
Highlighting the importance of grassroots participation, the UN has extended a formal invitation to Nigerian youth organizations and individual advocates to participate in an Open-Door Youth Engagement virtual session. This session is designed to bridge the gap between international policy and local reality.
“This dialogue is part of a broader push to amplify youth voices and strengthen collaboration,” as posted on X. “The UN in Nigeria is firmly committed to working with the government and key stakeholders to ensure that no young person is left behind in our pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Commitment to Collaborative Solutions
The mission involves close coordination with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, signaling a reinforced partnership between the UN system and the Nigerian government. By aligning international resources with national priorities, the ASG’s visit seeks to create robust, inspiring frameworks that address unemployment, education, and civic digital inclusion.
As the visit progresses, the focus remains on transforming inspiring dialogue into tangible policy actions that reflect the aspirations of Nigeria’s youth.
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