Ahead of the upcoming Summit of the Future in New York, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i., has called on young Nigerians to take ownership of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and demand the future they want from leaders. Addressing 130 high school delegates of the African Trust Model UN (TAFMUN) at the UN House in Abuja, Attafuah emphasized the importance of youth participation in shaping global policies.
“Join the conversation as global leaders come together this weekend. Demand from your leaders and policymakers the future you desire for the Pact of the Future,” Attafuah urged the young delegates from Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions.
The TAFMUN conference, themed “The Future of Food and Agriculture,” featured a presentation from the FAO Nigeria team, which highlighted the role of innovation and technology in creating inclusive and sustainable agricultural practices. Delegates were encouraged to see agriculture as a business, focusing on production and processing as key segments of the agricultural value chain.
In addition, Ms. Osotimehin, the Peace and Development Officer from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, urged the delegates to contribute to peace efforts in their communities, explaining the ripple effect this would have on national development. Meanwhile, Ms. Chika Obiatuegwu, Human Rights Officer, stressed the importance of recognizing and upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals, urging the students to combat discrimination and advocate for the rights of vulnerable people.
The event served as a platform to inspire young leaders to take action on the SDGs and engage with critical issues facing the world today.
