This is the State Network for the support, promotion and implementation of the Global Goals for Sustainability in Nigeria. Members are drawn from different sections of the society but whose work and activities are linked to at least one of the Global Goals. Members will be constantly engaged to monitor their personal contributions towards a Goal or more. This group will create series of events and activities geared towards inclusive participation in SDGs promotion and monitoring. This project will have presence in all the local communities in the state of Akwa Ibom and members scattered throughout the nooks and cranny of the nation.
Governments have just agreed on a bold new sustainable development vision to transform our world by 2030. Today’s young people can help realize the sustainable development goals. People face many challenges, including poverty, conflicts and unemployment. But Akwa Ibom people are not simply accepting this as their fate. They are rising up to challenge power structures… speaking out for justice and human rights … and advocating global action for people and the planet.
The sustainable development goals are for Us – and they will only be achieved by us. The new agenda aims to end poverty. It takes a comprehensive approach, integrating the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable development. This agenda is for all countries – no matter what their income.
The goals aim to tackle systematic problems that young people understand so well – like inequality, wasteful consumerism and the lack of decent jobs. More and more governments, businesses and individuals understand that we cannot burn our way to prosperity without damaging the planet. This agenda reflects that awareness.
Member States know it will take more than “business as usual” to succeed. We are forging a revitalized global partnership to mobilize everyone for our common future. Young people have participated actively in drafting the new development agenda: Millions of youth have told the UN about the world they want. Others contributed to drafting the Global Youth Call. And the Major Group for Children and Youth has spared no efforts in mobilizing youth-led organizations all over the world to make sure youth are at the forefront of the new agenda. We are urging Akwa Ibom government to include youth in the forefront of achieving the agenda.
When it comes to carrying out this agenda, I count on the world’s youth to be torchbearers of sustainable development. I am pleased that the Office of my Akwa Ibom SDGs Youth Network is launching a new youth “Gateway” to help engage young people in the implementation of the new agenda in the State.
This is the largest generation of young people in history – and with this agenda, they can shape history. A child who is ten will come of age with the sustainable development goals. We call today’s youth the ‘SDG generation.’ We need to support young people’s health, well-being and human rights. We are especially concerned about young women. They deserve reproductive health services. For years, I have been leading a global push to improve the health of the most vulnerable through our Every Woman, Every Child campaign. We have made progress – but we have to keep pressing for better results for all people.
Wherever we go around the state, we do our best to meet with young people – at homes, university halls and small groups. We expressed solidarity with the students and called for resources to support them. The children were so inspiring. One young girl appealed for funding so students like her can become doctors and engineers and “make our own future.” These children, like all children, deserve to realize their potential.
We have asked our Director, Contact and Mobilization, to mobilize more support to help young people everywhere, particularly youth affected by conflicts. These young people have unprecedented networks. They can mobilize the world. They can lead us to a better future.
In Akwa Ibom State, we call on the young people to join forces with the United Nations and Akwa Ibom SDGs Youth Network. Use your strength to advance our goals for a better future. Together, we can create a life of dignity for all.
Thank you.
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