The United Nations is standing proudly alongside Nigerian youth, declaring its commitment to empowering them as change-makers and leaders. Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, assured Nigerian students at the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) conference that the UN is proud to be their ally, encouraging them to continue being a force for good.
Speaking at the sixth edition of LASSMUN, which took place on Tuesday, Fall emphasized the crucial role young people play in shaping the future. The event, hosted by the six Lagos Education Districts, the UN Information Centre in Nigeria, and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, brought together students from Lagos public secondary schools to discuss global issues and collaborate on innovative solutions.
Fall’s powerful video message to the conference’s General Assembly echoed a resounding call for youth to take charge of their futures. “The United Nations is proud to be your ally. We count on you to be a force for positive change, both now and in the future,” he said. His message was clear: young people are not merely the future; they are the present, with the power to influence policies, transform communities, and drive societal progress.
This year’s LASSMUN theme, “UN@80 – Dismantling Barriers and Charting a Pathway to Meaningful Youth Engagement for SDGs Achievement,” was especially relevant, as it coincided with the UN’s 80th anniversary. Fall highlighted the importance of young people being at the decision-making table, stressing that they should not just be “guests” but active leaders shaping the world. He referred to the Pact for the Future, which advocates for youth to play an essential role in policy decisions.
The conference also featured powerful speeches from other notable figures, including Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. She encouraged delegates to embrace boldness and confidence but reminded them to avoid aggression and remain steadfast in their pursuit of positive change. “Don’t flow with the tide, stand out,” she urged the students, reinforcing the importance of vision and determination in achieving their goals.
LASSMUN President Grace Ogungbamigbe addressed the challenges faced by youth today, including economic disparities, limited opportunities, and unequal access to education. She called for a paradigm shift in youth engagement, urging governments and organizations to move beyond token gestures and forge real partnerships that empower young people to lead. “We need genuine partnerships that enable youth to innovate and take charge,” Ogungbamigbe said.
The event culminated in a resolution, presented by rapporteur Al-Amee Sowemimo, urging the inclusion of youth in decision-making processes. The resolution also called for urgent attention to global educational inequalities, highlighting that millions of children worldwide still lack access to quality education. It concluded by urging member states to implement policies that foster meaningful youth participation, ensuring young people are equipped with the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.
With messages of hope, empowerment, and leadership, LASSMUN 2025 underscored the vital role Nigerian youth will play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and securing a better future for all.
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