The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to equipping young Nigerians with diplomatic skills as a foundation for a more peaceful and inclusive future.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja during the inaugural Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) conference, organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) to commemorate the UN’s 80th anniversary.
Fall emphasized the importance of engaging youths in diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts, noting that the future of the UN’s ideals lies in their hands.
“Nigeria has always played a prominent role within the UN system,” Fall said. “Now, more than ever, we must bring the UN out of formal spaces and into the lives of young people and civil society. It is critical they learn the values of diplomacy, peaceful conflict resolution, and inclusion.”
He stated that the United Nations was founded to prevent conflict, promote dignity, and ensure no one is left behind, adding that those principles are now the responsibility of a new generation.
Fall also pledged to expand the initiative beyond Abuja and a single school, aiming to reach students across all 36 states and local government areas in Nigeria.
“This effort must include everyone—the vulnerable, those with disabilities, and young girls. The future belongs to them, and just as the post-war generation built the UN to secure peace, this generation must rise to meet today’s challenges: conflict, insecurity, climate shocks, poverty, and inequality.”
In his remarks, Premiere Academy Principal, Mr. Christopher Akinsowon, praised the conference for simulating the UN General Assembly and teaching students real-world diplomacy.
“If all states and local governments in Nigeria embraced diplomacy, there would be less conflict and more dialogue,” he said. “This initiative is vital in preparing future leaders to solve problems through negotiation, not violence.”
The PAIMUN conference, themed “UN@80: Building the Future Together”, featured 109 students acting as ambassadors of UN member states, debating global issues and learning consensus-building in a mock UN setting.
