UN Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Filmmaking to Advance SDGs

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting filmmaking to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.

Speaking at the third edition of the SDGs short film challenge and awards grand finale 2025 on Tuesday in Abuja, said the UN remains committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria and the rest of the world

The event with the theme: “Film as a catalyst for sustainable development: reimagining the future we want through the screen” was organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs.

Fall said although the UN in Nigeria invested in talent and amplified voices, more needs to be done; saying policymakers. private sector and partners should invest in film stories to achieve SDGs.

He said: “A film story can change life, change Nigeria and not only Nigeria, but the world.  To Bollywood, to Afrobeat, to all the sexism and all sorts of art and creation we stand at a turning point.

“Less than five years remain to 2030 and this is time to attain the SDGs, yet the path we are today is not straight, inequality persists across the globe; Poverty remains, our climate crimes are under direct action and the world is waiting for us to step-up.”

He said the UN’s pathways designed to accelerate progress towards the SDG include; transforming food systems, transforming clean water and affordable energy, and bridging the digital divide for all.

Others are building resilience and sustainable cities, as well as protecting plants and biodiversities for generations to come.

He noted that: “Film is a mirror of our society, a voice for the voiceless, a spark for action, a short film can inspire, and provoke empathy. It can ignite debate, change policy and shift behaviours.

“Since the first edition in 2023, the SDG short film has grown from 73 entries in 2005 to 2,250 entries on 114 entries in 2024 and surged to 2,265 entries on 114 entries this year.

“This is the proof that the world is listening. They are calls to action. They remind us that when creativity meets purpose, change happens, film can inspire audiences to advocate for equality and justice.

“This is the essence of our challenge today. Creativity for action, art for transformation, story for sustainability. The UN in Nigeria stands with filmmakers. We invest in your talent. We amplify your voice. We support your journey.

“We cannot do it alone. policymakers, private-sector partners should also invest in films. Fund them and let them reach every corner of our society; through film we can turn ideas into action, dream into realities, and ensure we leave no one behind,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, said the way people tell stories either proffered solution or created problems in society.

Orelope-Adefulire said: “Today, we celebrate creativity, innovations and the power of young Nigerians to shape national conversation around sustainable development.

“The challenge was conceived to build platforms, to tell compelling stories that reflect collective aspirations under the 2030 agenda: the quality of entries demonstrated good understanding that our country is rich in talents.

“Your contribution highlighted the role of storytelling and creating awareness, influencing policy and mobilising communities toward accelerating SDGs.

“As we celebrate the winners, let us also reaffirm our commitment to building more inclusive, equitable and sustainable Nigeria, one where no one is left behind.”

For her part, Mrs. Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo, commended the organisers for promoting the art of storytelling through filmmaking.

According to her, filmmakers demonstrated that cinema is not just entertainment, it is advocacy, education, mobilisation and ultimately a catalyst for transformative change.

“In adjusting it, we have embraced the same spirit of action and innovation as we work tirelessly to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

“While they tell the stories of our culture, our pride, our heritage through the lenses of their cameras. I encourage all filmmakers here today to continue using creative voices as a force for good.

“As we look to the future, let us remember that achieving the SDGs is not the responsibility of government alone, it requires the collective efforts of citizens, who refuse to give up on the idea of a better world,” Anani said.

On her part, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III, stressed the need for telling good stories that could influence decision and attract investment for industrial growth.

She explained that such can inspire community development, create a movement or simply whisper to one person to know he or she is not alone and that things can get better.

“This is the power that you carry and that is also why I want to speak to the policy makers here today. The development partners, corporate leaders and philanthropists in this room. “We all talk about investing in infrastructure, roads, power and technology, but we need to begin to talk just as much about investing in storytelling. If we want to truly accelerate the SDGs, we need filmmakers,” Atuwatse said.