FG, UN Driving SDGs Through Filmmaking

The Federal Government and the United Nations have taken more steps to strengthen the drive towards realizing the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the 2030 deadline by engaging actors and filmmakers to promote the UN initiative.

This was the crux of the launch of the Third Edition of the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards in Abuja , which is a significant milestone in the journey towards leveraging storytelling as a powerful advocacy tool for the SDGs in Nigeria and beyond.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, in her remarks said the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in the Decade of Action to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs through storytelling.

She said “It invites creative  minds to produce impactful short films (maximum 15 minutes) that highlight developmental challenges, propose solutions, and inspire action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, climate change, and social justice.”

She said further that beyond raising awareness, the initiative engages young people, sparks dialogue, and positions film as a catalyst for advocacy and change. It also provides emerging filmmakers with opportunities for global recognition and professional growth.

“Through compelling narratives, the challenge aims to educate, provoke conversations, and drive tangible action towards ending hunger, reducing inequalities, and protecting our planet,” she noted.

The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnerships and creativity as that the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs) in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC has empowered young filmmakers to create films that align with the core principles of the SDGs.

Launched in 2022, the maiden edition culminated in a grand finale on 12th August 2023 to mark International Youth Day at the Continental Hotel, Abuja. Building on its success, the second edition expanded significantly, with the grand finale hosted at Silverbird Galleria, Abuja, on 21st December 2024.

The impact appears to be remarkable, with participation growing exponentially. The first edition received 73 submissions, while the second edition attracted 2,250 entries from 119 countries, demonstrating the initiative’s impact and global reach.

United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria Mohamed Fall in his remarks noted that the launch was to spark a movement, describing it as “a call for action, a celebration of creativity and rallying appeal for SDGs.”

He said further that  stories  shape the  world and  eliminate injustice, stressing  that as the global community  approaches the final stretch of the SDGs it  needs  the story  more than ever,  because stories have complex power to translate global challenge into human  experience that resonates, educates and ignites action.

“Nigeria is a story telling power house and we all know that the Nollywood, which is one of the largest film industries in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channeling these creative forces towards the SDGs we are doing more than amplifying what is so badly needed.

“We are empowering young people to take ownership of the development narrative to spotlight issues of gender inequality, climate change action, poverty reduction and the UIN stands firm behind this mission,” he added.

From the entries, three finalists will be shortlisted, with winners announced at the grand finale. The challenge will conclude with an awards ceremony, celebrating exceptional films and reinforcing the power of film as a tool for advocacy and social change. The winning film will receive prizes, global exposure, and additional opportunities, while participants will benefit from exchange programmes and mentorship initiatives.

Government agencies, development partners, private sector leaders, media organisations, and creative professionals  can leverage this opportunity to sponsor the project and make  this initiative even more impactful, transforming it into a truly remarkable annual programme – one that not only highlights the SDGs but also strengthens the creative economy, nurtures talent, and advances national development.

It is hoped that the youth will leverage the platforms to express their creativity, share their stories, and drive meaningful change. The potential is immense, and the rewards are invaluable—not just for participants, but for society as a whole.

This might go a long way to address the challenge of the increasing poverty and high unemployment rate that have ravaged the country, especially the youth. This is why all hands must be on deck so that filmmakers can create impactful films themed on any of the SDGs in order to change lives, influence minds, and accelerate the realization of the SDGs.