Youth Minister Celebrates United Nations Day, Calls for Youth-Centered Future
Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande has joined members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community to celebrate the 2024 United Nations Day, and the commemoration of the 79th anniversary of the founding of the global body.
At an event tagged “Youth Pact of the Future” which held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the Minister, who delivered a keynote speech, said Nigeria is working to prepare a future of prosperity for its young people.
Organized by the United Nations Nigerian Office, the event brought together dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi; UN Resident Coordinator, Mohamed M. Malick Fall; the Country Representative of UNDP, Ms. Elsie Gyekyewaa Attafuah; and Ambassadors from various countries.
In his address, Olawande paid tribute to the United Nations’ 79 years of service in fostering peace, promoting human rights, and advancing sustainable development worldwide. He emphasized that Nigeria, with its youthful population, is uniquely positioned to champion the UN’s vision for the future, with due regard for its founding principles.
“For nearly eight decades, the United Nations has stood as a pillar of global cooperation, justice, and resilience. Today, as we celebrate UN Day, we are reminded that the future rests with our youth.
“Our youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today, architects of progress, and catalysts for change,” He noted.
Olawande acknowledged that the conversation centered around the UN Pact for the Future, which aligns with Nigeria’s priorities of empowering youth to drive social, economic, and environmental progress. He highlighted the shared commitment between the UN and Nigeria to cultivate a world where young people have the skills, support, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Reflecting on the United Nations’ legacy of multilateralism, Olawande called for the strengthening of partnerships and cooperation between government, international organizations, and civil society to realize the goals of the UN Pact for the Future.
The Minister also urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to building a youth-centered future.
