In commemoration of Peacebuilding Week, the United Nations Nigeria recently hosted the Young Fellows of the Sydani Group at the UN House in Abuja. The educational visit aimed to equip the next generation of leaders with critical knowledge regarding international peace and security, human rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the historical trajectory of the UN in shaping a global society.
During the interactive session, global experts engaged the fellows on contemporary societal challenges, emphasizing the critical role of youth in driving national development and community cohesion.
Countering the Threat of Fake News
A major highlight of the engagement focused on digital literacy and information security. Representatives from UNESCO Abuja issued a stern warning to the fellows regarding the escalating dangers of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in the digital ecosystem.
The UN agency stressed that unverified information polarizes communities, causes real-world harm, damages reputations, and severely undermines public trust. The fellows were strongly urged to meticulously verify information sources and utilize digital fact-checking tools before sharing any content online.
A Call to Transformative Leadership
Addressing the delegation, the UN Peace Development Advisor, Grace Fifatin, shared deep insights into her ongoing peace stabilization work across Nigeria. She challenged the young professionals to rise above passive citizenship and actively position themselves as catalysts for societal growth.
“I urge you to see yourselves as genuine agents of change. You must focus on transforming negative narratives, actively promoting constructive dialogue, and sustaining peace across your communities through empathy, inclusive leadership, and nonviolent practices.”
Unlocking Global Career Pathways
The immersion program also opened doors for professional development. The National Information Officer of the UN Information Centre, Oluseyi Soremekun, provided a comprehensive briefing on pursuing professional careers within the global body.
He highlighted the transparent recruitment processes governing the United Nations and outlined the diverse entry pathways available for qualified young Nigerian professionals eager to join the international workforce and contribute meaningfully to global human development.
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