Human Rights & International Development

By Chelsea Bannatyne, 1st year MDP student

 

On August 12-13^th I participated in the commemoration of 2024 International Youth Day, the theme was “From Awareness to Action: Empowering Youth in Nigeria for the SDGs.” The two-day event was hosted by Nigerian Youth SDGs (NGYouthSDGs), the focus was on empowering young people in driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The events key highlights included panel discussions on education, gender equality, climate action, and economic growth, alongside workshops, networking opportunities, and Spotlight Awards recognizing outstanding youth contributions to SDG action.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework established by the United Nations in 2015 to address pressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. There are 17 SDGs, each focusing on critical areas of development, including health, education, gender equality, clean water, and sustainable economic growth. The SDGs aim to create a better and more sustainable world by 2030, fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to drive meaningful progress.

The Nigerian Youth SDGs (NGYouthSDGs) is an organization focused on empowering young Nigerians to drive the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They facilitate youth involvement in policy advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and leadership development. Through partnerships, workshops, and campaigns, NGYouthSDGs encourages active participation in promoting education, gender equality, climate action, and economic opportunities.

Partnered non-governmental organizations like Oxfam and Connected Development (CODE) play pivotal roles in advancing the SDGs in Nigeria. Oxfam focuses on addressing poverty, inequality, and social injustice. In Nigeria, Oxfam works on various initiatives, including gender equality, economic empowerment, and food security. Connected Development (CODE) is dedicated to increasing civic engagement and ensuring accountability in Nigeria. CODE’s mission aligns with SDG targets on reducing inequality and promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.