UN Prioritises Peace, Human Rights, Information Integrity In Nigeria For 2025

The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Nigeria has announced its top priorities for 2025, with a focus on peace and security, human rights, and information integrity.

UNIC Director Ronald Kayanja emphasised the importance of these areas during a virtual partners’ briefing attended by 106 organisations from across the country on Thursday, citing several significant anniversaries and global initiatives.

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the tenth anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement.

It also coincides with COP30 and the UN’s Pact for the Future, which aims to mobilise action for youth and future generations.

Kayanja identified peace and security, human rights, and information integrity as UNIC’s key focus areas for the year.

He emphasised the importance of combating misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, particularly in light of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and promised to collaborate with partners to implement the Global Principles for Information Integrity and relevant aspects of the Global Digital Compact.

The briefing also covered the United Nations’ International Days and the importance of working together to observe them. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to interact with UNIC and discuss UN priorities.

Several participants made suggestions for future collaborations. Efe Okobia, President of the Nigeria Environmental Society, has called for increased UNIC involvement in the activities of civil society organisations (CSOs) across the country.

Tayo Olosunde, Executive Director of the Mind The Gap Initiative, advocated for CSOs to adopt more technology to improve inclusivity and participation.

Representatives from the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation and the Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment (RESWAYE) emphasised the importance of NGOs working together more effectively and strategically.

UNIC intends to hold a similar engagement with journalists from print, electronic, and online media outlets in the near future.