UN Forum: Aisha Hamman Advocates Women’s Leadership In Science, Tech, Innovation

Nigerian lawyer, human rights advocate, and founder of the Lift Africa Foundation, Aisha Hamman, has called for stronger recognition of women’s leadership in science, technology, and innovation (STI) as a critical driver for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ms Hamman, who represented the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY), delivered her remarks at the 9th Multi-Stakeholder Forum on STI for the SDGs held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The three-day event convened governments, UN agencies, private sector leaders, civil society, and youth stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for accelerating the 2030 Agenda.

The forum addressed pressing issues including financing innovation for SDGs, advancing equity and inclusion in technology, climate solutions, and the use of innovation to tackle hunger and poverty.

In her intervention, Hamman highlighted the persistent gender gap in STEM and urged the international community to view women’s participation not merely as a matter of equity but as essential for transformative progress.

“Promoting women’s leadership in science and technology is not just about equity; it is central to driving innovation that benefits everyone. Partnerships that are inclusive and collaborative are the key to ensuring that scientific progress translates into real change for communities,” she said.

Ms Hamman also underscored the need for cross-sector collaboration among governments, academia, the private sector, and grassroots innovators to ensure that scientific and technological progress benefits marginalized communities, particularly women in the Global South.

The session, presided over by Her Excellency Paula Narváez, President of the 79th Session of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), also featured contributions from senior UN officials, ministers, scientists, and representatives of international organizations.

Speakers emphasized that inclusive financing and equitable deployment of science and technology are pivotal to reducing inequalities and advancing sustainable development worldwide.

Ms Hamman’s advocacy aligns with her broader work through the Lift Africa Foundation, a youth-led non-governmental organization that promotes justice, empowerment, and governance reform across Africa. Through its flagship programs — Justice Shield, Liberty Watch, Clear Her Path, and the Civic Justice Lab — the foundation seeks to protect vulnerable populations, strengthen youth leadership, and push for systemic reforms.

Ms Hamman has built a reputation as a leading civil society voice in global policy spaces, consistently pushing for equitable SDG financing, structural reforms, and women’s inclusion in STEM.

Her participation at the forum reaffirms the growing influence of African youth advocates on the global stage.