The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a pro-democracy, environmental, and human rights organisation, on Tuesday, August 12, joined the global community in commemorating International Youth Day 2025, with this year’s theme: “Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.”
FENRAD said that this year’s theme resonates deeply with it’s core mission of promoting grassroots participation in sustainable development, climate justice, and civic engagement.
“At a time when Nigeria faces complex socio-economic and environmental challenges, we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and leadership of young Nigerians who are actively contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through local actions.
“From community-led clean-up campaigns, climate advocacy, and sustainable agriculture initiatives to civic tech innovations and youth-led organizations promoting inclusive education, gender equality, and peacebuilding, Nigerian youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow – they are the change agents of today,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the FENRAD Executive Director.
The group says it recognises the vital role of youth in driving Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), among others.
“We call on all levels of government, civil society, and development partners to prioritise youth engagement, provide enabling environments, and invest in youth-led solutions that advance the SDGs locally.”
To further amplify youth impact, FENRAD calls for:
1. The full implementation of the Nigerian Youth Policy,
2. Increased access to green jobs, climate finance, and digital literacy,
3. The creation of inclusive platforms where youth voices are heard in policy and governance processes, and
4. Strengthening youth participation in environmental governance and local decision-making.
“On this International Youth Day, FENRAD reaffirms its commitment to empowering young people and advancing grassroots development through advocacy, capacity building, and community mobilisation. Together, let us recognise and support local youth actions that are building a more just, equitable, and sustainable Nigeria,” added Nwafor.