The SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards took place on 21 December in Abuja, Nigeria, celebrating the role of the creative industry in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event showcased the work of young filmmakers who used the power of storytelling to highlight critical issues such as good health and well-being, climate change, gender inequality, education and the dangers of human trafficking, inspiring collective action towards a better and more sustainable future.
Organized by the United Nations Information Centre, Abuja; the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs); and Fresh News Multimedia, the event emphasized creativity, innovation and youth leadership in driving progress on Agenda 2030.
The acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, emphasized the UN's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment in the country. “±¬ÁĎą«Éç will continue to support the government and people of Nigeria to create a vibrant ecosystem where every Nigerian can thrive,” she said.
Ms. Attafuah encouraged participants to be bold in their ideas and fearless in their advocacy for the SDGs, assuring young people of continued UN support.
The event was attended by government officials, including representatives of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Executive Director and CEO of the Nigeria Film and Video Censors Board, and the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps.
The SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards serves as a platform to engage young filmmakers to contribute to the global drive for sustainable development and as advocates for change. This year, the challenge attracted 2,250 submissions from 119 countries.
The winning film,ĚýWasted, by Eze Daniel Izu tackled the issue of drug addiction among youth.ĚýRoad TripĚýby Accelerate TV claimed the first runner-up spot, whileĚýOke OkutaĚýby Oke Tolulope was awarded second runner-up.
