UN Day 2024: Nigeria Celebrates 79 Years of Global Impact

The United Nations Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed M. Fall, led the United Nations system in celebrating United Nations Day in Abuja, marking 79 years of global commitment to peace, development, and human rights.

Attended by high-level officials, ambassadors, development partners, and, significantly, a large youth presence, the celebration emphasized the UN's achievements and reiterated a future-focused mission as it approaches its 80th anniversary.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Fall acknowledged Nigeria’s critical role in advancing multilateralism since joining the UN in 1960, highlighting the country’s contributions to global peace and its continued advocacy for international cooperation.

“This is Nigeria,” he stated, “the rising star of Africa…a country of very brilliant, dynamic, and innovative people.”

The event emphasized Nigeria’s legacy of sending peacekeepers and diplomats to support UN missions globally, underscoring a message of gratitude for its leadership on the world stage.

The Coordinator praised Nigeria's leaders for fostering a supportive environment that enables the UN’s 30 entities to operate effectively in the country, contributing to national and global development goals.

With a particular focus on youth, Mr. Fall addressed Nigeria's younger generation as the bridge to a sustainable future.

“Our young people are the link to that future,” he said, stressing the importance of sustainable development that meets today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. He encouraged the young people of Nigeria to take advantage of opportunities in education, skills development, and innovation, calling on them to “rise and take your place…make your voices heard.”

In line with the UN’s Pact for the Future, Mr. Fall highlighted specific commitments toward youth development in Nigeria, particularly the pledge to: Invest in the social and economic development of children and young people; Promote and protect the human rights of all youth, fostering social inclusion; Strengthen youth participation at national and international levels. 

He urged Nigeria’s youth to engage actively, reminding them that while Actions 34 to 37 of the Pact are dedicated to youth, the entire Pact with its 56 Actions addresses their future.

Mr. Fall also reaffirmed the UN’s support for Nigeria’s mission to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

“In your efforts to ensure all children get quality education, to fight climate change, and to reduce crimes such as trafficking, the United Nations will be by your side,” he affirmed, outlining the UN’s role in supporting initiatives for women’s rights, digital economy growth, and overall national prosperity.

In closing, the UNRC expressed deep gratitude to the distinguished guests and his UN colleagues, emphasizing Nigeria’s choice of multilateralism as a model for others. He celebrated the contributions of Nigeria’s youth to the event, saying, “Your participation…has given me even more hope that our world of tomorrow is in safe hands – your hands.”

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, represented by her Senior Technical Advisor, praised the United Nations for its enduring contributions and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continued collaboration across diverse areas to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals

"As the UN celebrates its history and commits to a future of global unity, today’s celebration in Abuja served as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s influential role in the world and the dedication of its people to shaping a better tomorrow."