The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Muhamed Fall, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting young people in developing diplomacy skills to build a better future.
Fall made the remarks during his welcome address at the maiden Premier Academy International Model UN (PAIMUN) conference, organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The conference, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding, aims to promote peace, tolerance, diplomacy, and consensus-building among youths.
“Nigeria has demonstrated a strong commitment to the UN and its goals. Nigeria joined the UN shortly after gaining independence and has been a key player since. The Deputy Secretary-General of the UN is from Nigeria.
“It is critical to engage young people and civil society beyond formal government interactions because, now more than ever, the UN’s goals and ideals are needed.
“Let us remember that the UN was established to prevent conflict, promote security, human dignity, development, and to provide assistance to the most vulnerable, leaving no one behind.
“It is time to double down, reinforce, and spread this message. What I have seen young people do in this regard is encouraging because the future belongs to them.
“Training them to understand how the UN functions, to learn diplomacy, and peaceful ways to resolve differences is crucial in today’s world,” Fall said.
Fall pledged to expand the conference beyond Abuja and Premier Academy to include all 36 states and local government areas, emphasising that the UN Charter starts with people, not only governments but also those hardest to reach and most vulnerable.
“Inclusion means everyone, women, people living with disabilities, and this principle is embodied in the idea of ‘we the people.’
“Young people must understand that the future is theirs to shape. Just as those who emerged from the Second World War created the UN to build peace and security, it is now their time and challenge.
“Today’s challenges include conflict, insecurity, climate shocks, poverty, and inequality. They must take up this challenge,” he appealed.
Mr Christopher Akinsowon, Principal of Premier Academy, lauded the conference for helping students better understand the workings of the UN General Assembly.
“This is a simulation of the UN General Assembly. It teaches students, and even adults, diplomacy, so we can resolve issues peacefully rather than resort to conflict or aggression.
“If all states and local governments in Nigeria embraced diplomacy, there would be fewer wars or crises.
“We need to teach young minds this because they will soon become our leaders,” he said.
The PAIMUN conference, attended by 109 students, featured participants playing the roles of ambassadors of UN member states, focusing on the theme: UN@80: “Building the Future Together.”
The event included a video message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, a presentation of the PAIMUN 2025 General Assembly resolution by the plenary rapporteur, and the adoption of the resolution.
