By Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Films and storytelling have been identified as unique power to translating complex global challenges into human experiences that resonate, educate, and ignite action towards national development.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, stated this in Abuja, at the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Short Film Challenge organized by the UN Information Centre and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs.
He noted that as the deadline to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 draws nearer, there is the need for stories more than ever.
Mr. Fall, explained that stories are needed now more than ever as they shape the world, illuminate injustice, inspire courage, and foster empathy towards national development.
“Today, we gather not just to launch the third edition of the SDGs Film Challenge 2025, but to spark a movement.
This is more than an event. It’s a call to action, a celebration of creativity, and a rallying cry for sustainable development. Stories shape our world. They illuminate injustice, inspire courage, and foster empathy. As we approach the final stretch to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we need these stories more than ever”, Mr Fall said.
The UN Resident Coordinator also stressed that year 2025, should be a year where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.
“Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among largest film industry in the world reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channeling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness. We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability. The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission.
He further urged filmmakers to use their lenses and cameras to change narratives towards meeting the SDGs
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development. To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll. Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation your voice matters. May this year’s challenge inspire bold ideas, unforgettable narratives, and a brighter, more sustainable future for all”, he added
On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the challenge aims to educate, provoke conversations, and drive tangible action towards ending hunger, reducing inequalities.
“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. It invites creatives 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. 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”, she said
Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire, further restated commitment to accelerate implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.
“As we launch this third edition, our commitment is even stronger. We recognise the need to expand the initiative, deepening its reach and impact to accelerate SDGs implementation in Nigeria. This year, we are introducing key strategic activities, including: Training and Capacity-Building Programme: We will host training sessions to equip young filmmakers with the skills needed to create impactful SDG-themed films and Enhanced Collaborations and Industry Support: We aim to engage more stakeholders, including creative industry leaders, development partners, and the private sector, to amplify the reach of the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards”.
She added that: “OSSAP-SDGs has engaged top Nigerian celebrities as SDGs Ambassadors to further mainstream sustainable development advocacy. Their influence has been instrumental in raising awareness, inspiring young people, and mobilising collective action. Implementation Strategies and Modalities 12. With today’s launch, the online portal is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films (max 15 minutes) addressing selected SDG themes through compelling storytelling and visuals”, she added.
Also speaking, UNFPA Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria Dr Boni Edith, describe the SDGs short film challenge as one of the strongest deliberate efforts to establish a link between the movie industry and the sustainable development goals and driven by young people.
“This creative challenge goes beyond entertainment, it transcends media, it documents knowledge, it empowers young people and sharpens their creative minds. It galvanizes action with great potential to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.
This is part of our solid foundation for the future generations as reflected in the impact of the future. We count on all young movie makers around Nigeria to once again give this short movie challenge a shot. We need your ideas, we need your energy, we need your knowledge of leveraging technology to tell compelling stories around the SDGs. Nigeria needs your support. Don’t hold back, just do it. We look forward to receiving your movie entries and eagerly look forward to seeing you all at the grand finale in the third quarter of this year”.
The maiden edition was Launched in 2022, with 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, indicating that young people are not waiting on the sidelines but ready to create, to lead, and to transform their world.
