Youth at the Centre of Global Action: Joshua Alade Speaks with Pierre Jones on the SDG Vision Podcast

In a powerful and inspiring conversation, Joshua Alade, Executive Director of the Network of Youth for Sustainable Initiative, joins Pierre Jones on the SDG Vision Podcast to discuss the critical role of young people in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about youth leadership, innovation, inclusion, and global development.

Key Insights from the Podcast

  1. Youth as Development Architects, Not Beneficiaries
    Joshua emphasizes that young people must not be seen merely as recipients of development initiatives but as designers, implementers, and evaluators of solutions. He shares how Nigerian youth are shaping policies, mobilizing communities, and leading advocacy efforts that align with global development priorities.
  2. Local Action, Global Impact
    In the conversation, Joshua highlights real-world examples of how youth-led organizations across Nigeria are addressing challenges in climate resilience, education, health, and innovation proving that local solutions can drive scalable global change.
  3. Bridging Policy and People
    One of the most compelling parts of the dialogue is Joshua’s reflection on how young advocates can bridge the gap between institutions and communities. He shares strategies for influencing policy while ensuring that development truly reflects the needs of the people on the ground.
  4. The Power of Partnerships
    Joshua underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration between governments, civil society, and the private sector to drive sustainable impact. He shares how NGYouthSDGs is building ecosystems of changemakers to accelerate progress.
  5. A Call to Youth Around the World
    The conversation ends with a rallying message: the implementation of the SDGs will not be possible without the active engagement, ambition, and creativity of young people.

Watch the full conversation here