UN, Gov’t unveil SDGs Short-film Challenge, urge young filmmakers to use storytelling for sustainable dev’t

Following the success of the previous editions of the SDGs Short-Film Challenge, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC); the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development (OSSAP-SDGs) and Fresh News have unveiled the third edition at a media briefing.

Titled ‘SDGs Short Film Challenge Season 3’, the unveiling event was held at the UN House, Abuja on 26 March 2025, and was well attended.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall urged young filmmakers to use storytelling for translating complex global challenges into human experiences that resonate, educate, and ignite action for sustainable development.

“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.” He said.

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Acknowledging the progress of the Short-film Challenge since 2023 when it was first launched, Fall said, “From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, to lead, and to transform their world. The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission.”

He emphasized the importance of Nollywood’s influence on the global stage, encouraging emerging filmmakers to tackle significant societal challenges such as climate change, gender inequality, and poverty through their films to create awareness to the pressing global concerns for sustainable development.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, stressed the importance of film in driving social transformation.  She said, “Film is a powerful medium for change, influencing perceptions, driving social transformation, and inspiring action.” 

She commended the Nollywood icons for their critical roles in the SDGs short film challenge using storytelling which has been instrumental in raising awareness, inspiring young people, and mobilising collective action.

The UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Mr. Francis Kuawu Koessan represented by Dr Edith Bori, noted that the SDGs Short-Film Challenge was one of the strongest deliberate efforts to establish a link between the movie industry and the sustainable development goals with young people at the driving seat.

“This SDGs Short-film challenge goes beyond entertainment. It transcends media escapism. 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.” He added.

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