The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, has reiterated the United Nations' dedication to assisting Nigeria in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fall made this statement on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja to mark the 79th anniversary of UN Day.
He emphasized Nigeria's significance in the global context, stating that the success of the UN in reaching its SDGs is closely tied to Nigeria's progress. "In less than five years, we have to achieve Agenda 2030, the Summit of the Future, and its landmark outcome," Fall said. He referred to the "Pact for the Future," which outlines five strategic priorities: financing for development, international peace and security, science, technology and innovation, youth and future generations, and global governance.
Fall pointed out that the vision for "the Nigeria we want" is encapsulated in this pact. He stated, "At the UN, our focus is to ensure Nigeria achieves the SDGs," emphasizing collaboration with government at all levels, development partners, and civil society to keep the SDGs on track.
He also noted that humanitarian assistance alone cannot resolve the underlying issues facing the population, highlighting the need for collective efforts to tackle these challenges.
Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Country Resident Representative in Nigeria, discussed the future of development, focusing on science, technology, innovation, and digitalization. She revealed that the UNDP has initiated the establishment of "university ports," aiming to create ten such spaces by the end of the year. These hubs will allow university students and community members to test prototypes and develop innovative ideas. Attafuah expressed optimism about the potential to create "unicorns" from these initiatives and plans to establish 36 university ports in the next 36 months.
Additionally, Attafuah mentioned the program's commitment to helping Nigeria address climate change by reducing emissions and aligning these efforts with the country's development goals.
Vaneessa Phala-Moyo, the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, also spoke at the event. She pledged to promote social justice in Nigeria, stating, "The ILO is fundamentally dedicated to advancing social justice." Phala-Moyo highlighted the organization's collaboration with Nigeria since 1960 and its focus on the country’s decent work program, which prioritizes the involvement of social partners like the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association in developing key national programs.
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