UNIC Highlights Peace, Security, Human Rights, Information Integrity as Critical Focus Areas in Nigeria
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria has highlighted peace and security, human rights, and information integrity as its critical focus areas in the country this year
In advancing partnerships towards advocacy and sensitisation of policymakers and the public on the United Nations themes and mandates, UNIC convened a partners’ briefing engagement in Abuja.
The engagement, which took place on Thursday online and focused on UNIC’s 2025 priorities, was presided over by the UNIC Director, Ronald Kayanja, and attended by 106 partner organisations from across the country.
The Director informed the audience that 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 10th anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), COP 30, and the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Pact for the Future.
The Pact, he said further, committed Member States and the UN system to mobilise around actions for youth and future generations. Kayanja highlighted peace and security, human rights, and information integrity as critical focus areas for UNIC this year.
He explained, “We will work with partners to address challenges to the integrity of the information ecosystem, implementing the Global Principles for Information Integrity and relevant aspects of the Global Digital Compact. It is important to address the dangers caused by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech to societies, especially in the wake of AI.”
The participants were also briefed on the UN International Days and the need for collaboration with other stakeholders and UNIC to observe them.
Participants thanked the UNIC leadership for bringing so many NGOs to the table to discuss the UN priorities for the year. The President of the Nigeria Environmental Society, Efe Okobia, requested that UNIC be more involved in the activities of CSOs across Nigeria.
The Executive Director of Mind The Gap Initiative, Tayo Olosunde, advocated for CSOs to use technology more extensively to ensure the inclusive and active participation of diverse people.
In their interventions, Foluke Ademokun of Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation and Doyin Ogunye of Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE) called for more collaborations and strategic alliances between and amongst NGOs with focus and values.
A similar engagement is planned with journalists in both print and electronic media and those operating with online channels.
