The United Nations agencies and the Australian High Commission in Nigeria, on Tuesday in Abuja, endorsed youth-led initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality, discrimination against persons with disabilities, and other forms of social exclusion.
In support of this objective, the organisations hosted a programme titled “Amplifying Inclusive Innovation: Youth-Led Solutions for Gender Equality, Disability Inclusion, and Sexual and Reproductive Health.”
Speaking at the event, Mr Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, emphasised that no society could claim to be just if half of its population was marginalised.
He argued that societal progress was unattainable if persons with disabilities remained excluded or if young people were denied the ability to make informed decisions regarding their bodies and futures.
Highlighting the demographics of Nigeria, Fall noted that over 70 per cent of the population comprises young people. He asserted that their innovation, energy, and activism were not optional, but fundamental to the transformation the country requires.
“Young people are not only the future; they are the present. They are offering bold and practical solutions. The United Nations is proud to support these efforts through agencies such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
“We are advocating for access to reproductive health services, promoting inclusive policies, and supporting youth-led innovations that dismantle barriers, particularly for girls and persons with disabilities.
“The UN Secretary-General has reminded us that: ‘We must shift power to those who have long been excluded, including young people, women, and persons with disabilities.’ That is the true meaning of ‘leaving no one behind’,” Fall stated.
He called on stakeholders to pay attention to the voices of young Nigerians, who are shaping the nation’s future, and to support them through concrete actions, investment, and unwavering belief in their potential.
Fall also commended the Australian High Commission for its collaboration on the initiative, describing the partnership as a shared commitment to justice, dignity, and inclusive progress.
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In his remarks, Mr Koessan Kuawu, Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Representative of UNFPA Nigeria, observed that with 60 per cent of the population under the age of 25 and a median age of 18, Nigeria boasts the largest youth population in Africa.
He stressed the need to empower young people to thrive, stating, “Nigerian youth are not only the future but also the dynamic present of this great nation. They are our most valuable resource.
“Strategic investments in education, healthcare, security, and comprehensive development will unlock enormous demographic dividends,” he added.
Kuawu explained that adolescents and young people remain central to UNFPA’s mandate, and that the organisation is committed to protecting their rights and well-being through the UN’s three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending the unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
“Our approach is firmly rooted in human rights principles and is guided by the commitment to leave no one behind,” Kuawu said.
He also highlighted the UN’s efforts to foster collaboration among youth leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders, stating that the current initiative seeks to scale inclusive practices nationwide.
“Today, we are creating space for young innovators, particularly those living with disabilities, to present transformative solutions that address key barriers to fulfilling their potential,” Kuawu noted.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Matthew Mecan, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Nigeria, reiterated the importance of youth inclusion, noting that Nigeria, as a young and rapidly growing nation, must empower its youth.
He cited recent estimates indicating that about 65 per cent of the population are young people.
“Despite this demographic strength, Nigerian youths continue to encounter obstacles that limit their ability to reach their full potential. These challenges are even more acute for young women and girls, while young persons with disabilities face further exclusion due to social stigma,” Mecan said.
He added that such barriers often hinder access to essential services, thereby preventing full participation in society.
“We commend the ongoing efforts to pass the Special Seats for Women bill, which aims to reduce the gender gap in political representation. We hope it garners the same level of support as the 2018 ‘Not Too Young to Run’ legislation, which successfully lowered the age threshold for elective office.
“While legislation is not a panacea, evidence shows it can drive meaningful change. Increasing the representation of young people, women, and persons with disabilities in decision-making spaces is key to dismantling systemic barriers,” Mecan concluded.
