The May edition of the Youth SDGs Cafe tagged “Working with Youth for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Action” kicked off with a powerful story which set the tone for an inspiring session led by Lady Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette, The Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Sustainable Development Goals. The session took participants on a profound journey through the challenges and opportunities for youth empowerment in Nigeria.
In acknowledgement that child marriage in Northern Nigeria has garnered public attention for decades, Lady Diana shed light on a lesser-known crisis in southern Nigeria, unveiling a harsh reality where limited opportunities condemn young girls to motherhood before age seventeen, a narrative that serves as a reminder of the urgent need for youth empowerment amidst societal constraints.
Addressing the fundamental question of how young people can effectively drive sustainable change, Lady Diana outlined four (4) strategies in which youth can drive change and create a ripple effect of positive transformation.
1) Empowering through Education and Awareness: For youth to drive change, a thorough understanding of the SDGs is essential. This includes understanding each goal, its specific targets, and the indicators used to measure progress. For instance, Goal 4 (Quality Education) involves knowing metrics like literacy rates and enrolment ratios. Young people equipped with this knowledge can identify gaps and measure the impact of their initiatives accurately. However, education should extend beyond the individual level. Spreading knowledge to peers and the broader community is crucial. A community is a powerful agent for change and by educating others about the SDGs, young people can create a network of advocates who collectively push for sustainable development, fostering a multiplier effect that can lead to significant community-wide projects and initiatives.
2) Local Projects: Grassroots movements harness the passion of young individuals to educate and empower their peers, turning them into advocates for sustainable change within their communities. These local projects can address specific issues pertinent to their environments, creating tailored solutions that resonate with the community’s unique needs
3) Collaboration and Partnerships: Acknowledging the magnitude of the task at hand collaborating and volunteering with established organisations like NGYouthSDGs provides access to crucial resources such as funding, training, and mentorship. Through this, youth can extend their reach beyond their immediate communities and broaden their impact in addressing widespread issues.
4) Amplifying Voices through Advocacy: In today’s digital age, the power of youth voices can be amplified through strategic advocacy. By leveraging social media and creative storytelling, young people can disseminate information about the SDGs in engaging and accessible ways, catalysing widespread awareness and action. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube offer avenues to create compelling content that educates and inspires, making sustainable practices relatable to everyday experiences. This approach can include using local languages, incorporating cultural references, and showcasing real-life examples of how sustainable practices are making a difference.
The potential of youth-led action to set off a ripple effect of positive change is vast, particularly in critical areas such as:
1) Reliable Electricity:
Despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, many communities struggle with unreliable electricity. Young people need to think innovatively about tapping into these resources, such as solar and wind energy, to generate power independently from government intervention and providing immediate benefits which serve as models for sustainable development.
2) Improved Education:
Youth-driven change can significantly enhance educational resources, from providing digital learning tools, to supporting teacher training programs. These efforts equips future generations with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable development.
3) Better Healthcare:
Collaborating with healthcare workers to organise health camps in rural areas can raise awareness about basic health practices and provide essential services. Such grassroots healthcare initiatives address immediate needs and foster long-term community health improvements.
As the curtains draw on the May edition of the Youth SDGs Cafe, Lady Diana’s urged the government, private sectors and Industry Leaders to support and invest in youth by providing them with the necessary tools and platforms for youth voices in policy discussions
The message of the session was clear that youth are poised to lead their communities towards a future defined by prosperity, equity, and resilience. With the right tools and support, they can create a sustainable and prosperous world for all. The Journey to sustainable development is a collective effort, and empowering the youth is the key to unlocking this potential.
Watch the replay of the session here.
