Joshua Alade, Nigeria Youth SDGs Network Talks To Pierre Jones скачать в хорошем качестве

Joshua Alade, Nigeria Youth SDGs Network Talks To Pierre Jones

In this powerful SDG.VISION Podcast, Joshua Alade, Executive Director of the Nigeria Youth SDGs Network (NGYouthSDGs), talks to Pierre about how young people across Africa’s most populous nation are rising to shape Nigeria’s sustainable development future. Joshua takes us through the lived realities of growing up and working in Nigeria and shares how NGYouthSDGs is mobilising young people across all 36 states to become changemakers in their communities. Through a deep and honest conversation, he explains the importance of shadow reporting, People’s Assemblies, and youth-led civic engagement as tools for accountability, democracy, and sustainable progress. This episode dives into the heart of youth-led transformation — from the growing energy of local SDG movements to the structural challenges that still limit inclusion, opportunity, and voice. We hear how young Nigerians are turning frustration into creativity, using the SDGs not just as distant global goals but as practical tools for change today. Key Themes & SDG Links 1. Youth Inclusion in National Development — With nearly half of Nigeria’s population under 30, their participation is not optional; it’s essential for social and economic progress. Linked SDGs: 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work), 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions) 2. Leadership & Livelihoods — NGYouthSDGs equips young people with leadership skills, civic tools, and sustainable livelihood opportunities so they can lead and thrive. Linked SDGs: 4, 8, 10 3. Accountability from the Ground Up — The Youth Shadow Report gives young people the power to evaluate SDG progress from their own perspective and demand accountability. Linked SDGs: 16, 17 4. Collective Action & Dialogue — The Nigeria People’s Assembly unites youth, civil society, and government to co-create real solutions to pressing issues such as poverty, education, and climate resilience. Linked SDGs: 1, 4, 8, 13, 17 5. Civic Empowerment — The Youth Voice Counts project helps young people engage in elections, civic dialogue, and advocacy, strengthening democracy from the bottom up. Linked SDGs: 4, 8, 16 Suggestions for Action Institutionalize Youth Shadow Reporting to make young voices central to national SDG reviews. (SDG 16, 17) Expand People’s Assemblies as intergenerational spaces for policy innovation. (SDG 11, 17) Invest in mentorship and leadership programs to build long-term youth advocacy capacity. (SDG 4, 8) Align youth employment programs with Nigeria’s SDG-based Youth Employment Action Plan. (SDG 1, 8) Support marginalized youth — women, rural youth, and those with disabilities — to ensure no one is left behind. (SDG 5, 10) Leverage social media to amplify youth stories and increase SDG awareness nationwide. (SDG 4, 16) Include youth representatives in national SDG planning and Voluntary National Reviews. (SDG 16, 17) A Message to Youth To every young Nigerian and young person across Africa: your voice matters. The challenges you face — unemployment, climate change, inequality — are vast, but so is your power to reimagine the future. You are not bystanders in history; you are the authors of tomorrow. Whether you are planting trees, teaching, coding, or campaigning, you are advancing the SDGs. Lead boldly. Question authority. Build bridges. Create hope. The SDGs are your roadmap — and your generation is the compass. Actions Youth Can Take Join Youth Shadow Report consultations to help evaluate SDG progress. Organize or attend a People’s Assembly in your community to discuss local SDG solutions. Volunteer with NGYouthSDGs or similar initiatives to gain hands-on experience in advocacy and policy work. Take part in Youth Voice Counts programs and use your vote to influence change. Use digital storytelling to share community success stories and hold leaders accountable. Advocate for youth representation in national SDG review processes. Join mentorship networks to learn from established youth advocates and policy leaders. Linked Sustainable Development Goals SDG 1: No Poverty SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 5: Gender Equality SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities SDG 13: Climate Action SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals