Nigerian poet and spoken word artist, Maryam Bukar, was on Friday officially designated as the United Nations’ first-ever Global Advocate for Peace in a groundbreaking ceremony in New York.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the designation of Bukar at the United Nations Headquarters, marked a historic moment for Nigeria and the global peacebuilding community.
Bukar, renowned for her dynamic performances that blend artistry with advocacy, was unveiled by the UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa, Ms Martha Pobee, in the presence of top UN officials, diplomats and cultural influencers.
The designation, the first of its kind under the United Nations Peace and Security Pillar, positions Bukar as the face and voice of global efforts to amplify inclusive, youth-driven and women-led peacebuilding.
“Art has the power to move hearts, inspire action, and bring communities together,” said Ms Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
“Through her compelling words and performances, Ms Bukar has shown how creativity can be a force for peacebuilding, dialogue and inclusion.
“Her voice will be an important partner in amplifying the UN’s efforts to advance political solutions, empower young people and women, and sustain peace.”
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also lauded Bukar’s appointment as strategic and timely.
“The dedication of the Global Advocate’s time and energy to this effort will greatly increase awareness of the peace and security priorities of the United Nations,” Lacroix stated.
“Ms Bukar will particularly highlight the vital role of women and youth in advancing inclusive and sustainable peace.”
Bukar, who hails from Nigeria, is not just a poet but a force for social change.
Her work has illuminated international stages, including TED Talks, the UN SDG Awards and the World Bank Youth Summit.
She has earned recognition for weaving themes of gender equality, youth empowerment and social justice into her art.
Bukar’s powerful poetry video “Peace Begins With Me”, launched during the UN International Day of Peace, gained global traction.
Also, her stirring performance at the 2024 Summit of the Future placed her on the radar as a transformative voice for a generation yearning for peace.
She is a recipient of the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and was a finalist for the 2024 UN SDG Creativity Award.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Mr Syndoph Endoni, hailed the designation as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa at large.
“This is a celebration of Nigerian excellence on the global stage,” Endoni said.
“Maryam’s designation signals a fresh, creative chapter in global peacebuilding and Nigeria, once again, stands tall at the center of the world stage.
“She is proof that young African voices can shape international narratives and influence global policy.”
Also present at the ceremony was the Consul-General of Nigeria in New York, Amb. Abubakar Jidda, who described Bukar’s appointment as a recognition of Nigeria’s creative and peace-loving youth.
“Maryam’s designation is a diplomatic and cultural win for Nigeria,” Jidda said.
“It’s a powerful reminder that our soft power, from Nollywood to poetry, can help build bridges and promote peace globally.”
Brigadier-General Edward Koleoso, Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to the United Nations, added his voice, calling the appointment a strategic fusion of creativity and peace diplomacy.
“Peacebuilding today requires unconventional tools,” Koleoso said.
“By deploying poetry as a vehicle for dialogue, Ms Bukar will humanise the peace and security agenda and resonate with audiences across generations and cultures.”
As the UN’s Global Advocate for Peace, Bukar will support implementation of key peacebuilding efforts, particularly under the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas.
Her role will involve storytelling, digital engagement, public speaking and participation in UN events and global campaigns.
Her first official public appearance in the role will be a spoken word performance at New York City’s SummerStage Festival on Sunday.
At the event, Bukar will share the stage with internationally celebrated artists Femi Kuti of Nigeria and Elida Almeida of Cape Verde.
Speaking during the ceremony, a visibly moved Bukar dedicated her appointment to every young girl who believes that her voice matters.
Bukar urged the global community to invest in art, inclusion and peace education.
