What if I told you that the Sustainable Development Goals aren’t just a list of global targets? They are a blueprint for a better Nigeria, and you are the architect.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the High-Level Youth Dialogue at the UN House in Abuja, a powerful event that brought together youth leaders, government officials, and development partners. The energy was palpable, and the message was clear: it is time to move from dialogue to tangible, grassroots action.
The theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” was a deliberate call to recognise and empower young people. We were there with a specific purpose: to understand how we can accelerate the SDGs, engage with policymakers, and build real partnerships to turn global commitments into local results. How do we connect global agenda for local actions so we can create transformational change?
In the Driver’s Seat of Development
A key takeaway came from Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of Youth Development, who challenged us to be “in the driver’s seat” of our nation’s progress. This goes beyond just being a part of the conversation; it means actively shaping policies and initiatives from the ground up. He rightly pointed out that youth should not be seen as symbolic participants, but as critical, active agents of change.
Adding to this, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, described youth as “the future happening now.” He stressed that if we are to meet the 2030 Agenda, we must move beyond the usual approaches. This means creating collaborative frameworks that involve schools, local communities, and innovation hubs. It’s about scaling solutions that work in underserved areas, because leaving no one behind isn’t just a slogan, it is a mission.
Turning Ideas into Lived Realities
The discussions were candid and focused. We talked about how youth-led initiatives are already making measurable impact in areas like climate action, education, and public health. But as I reflected on the dialogue, a crucial point stood out: we need enabling environments where our ideas can transition from passion projects into scalable, funded programmes.
This is where you come in. My personal reflection from this dialogue is that youth inclusion is not an optional extra; it is absolutely fundamental to accelerating SDG progress. The event was a testament to the fact that young Nigerians are not waiting for permission to act. You are already innovating, organising, and leading change. The next step is to formalise this power.
What We Need to Do Next
To truly build a better Nigeria, we must move beyond awareness and into active leadership. Here are some key recommendations inspired by the dialogue that we, as a network and as individuals, must champion:
- Youth-Government Co-creation: We must establish formal platforms for young people to co-design national and local SDG strategies. Our insights and experiences are invaluable and must be embedded in policy-making.
- Grassroots Innovation Support: We need to advocate for increased support for grassroots initiatives. Our innovative ideas require funding, mentorship, and resources to grow and create lasting change.
- Multi-Sector Partnerships: We have to strengthen our collaborative relationships with the government, the private sector, and other civil society organisations. By working together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.
The High-Level Youth Dialogue was a strategically significant platform for amplifying our voices. It was a reminder that the SDGs will not be achieved as just global targets, but as lived realities in Nigerian communities. And that transformation starts with us.
So, I am putting the call out to you. Let us build a future where our energy, ingenuity, and passion are the driving force for a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria. What action will you take this week to bring the SDGs to life in your community?
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Culled from Ms Morenikeji Farewaju’s reflection after attending the High-Level Dialogue to Commemorate the International Youth Day at the UN House, Abuja.
