LAGOS, NIGERIA — The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth as drivers of societal change, during the sixth edition of the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN) held Tuesday in Lagos.

In a video address to the student delegates, Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, declared:

“The United Nations is proud to be your ally. And we count on you to be a force for positive change, now and in the future.”

Themed “UN@80 – Dismantling Barriers and Charting a Pathway to Meaningful Youth Engagement for SDGs Achievement,” the 2025 LASSMUN conference coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and reflects growing calls for youth inclusion in global governance.

Fall emphasized that youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but active stakeholders in shaping today’s world. Referencing the Pact for the Future, he encouraged young people to take on decision-making roles, rather than remain “guests at the table.”

“Your journey starts now. Learn. Debate. Connect. And when you leave this conference, carry this fire forward,” he told the delegates, drawn from public secondary schools across Lagos.

A Platform for Future Diplomats

The event, jointly organized by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), and Lagos’ six Education Districts, was a vibrant display of youthful engagement, with students simulating the operations of the UN General Assembly.

Grace Ogungbamigbe, President of LASSMUN, called for a fundamental shift in how the world perceives and engages youth:

“We must move beyond tokenistic gestures to genuine partnerships that empower young people to lead and innovate.”

She highlighted pressing issues such as economic inequality, limited opportunities, and the digital divide, which continue to obstruct youth development globally.

Government and Youth Voices Aligned

Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Permanent Secretary Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite encouraged students to channel their energy into positive action:

“Be bold, but not aggressive; be confident, but not unruly. Don’t get tired. Don’t give up. Stand out.”

Peter Alademehin, Secretary-General of the Sixth LASSMUN General Assembly, underscored the critical role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stressing that real progress hinges on collective action.

The conference concluded with the adoption of a youth-led resolution, presented by rapporteur Al-Amee Sowemimo, urging:

• Inclusion of youth in policymaking
• Investment in education and digital skills
• Tackling educational disparities globally, noting that millions of children remain out of school

A Call for Action

As the world looks ahead to 2030 and beyond, the LASSMUN 2025 conference amplified a clear message: youth are ready to lead, and institutions—local and global—must rise to meet them halfway.