The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) has inaugurated the Third Edition of the SDGs-Short-Film Challenge to bolster storytelling as a tool for achieving the goals in Nigeria.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, SSA to the President on SDGs, made this known while inaugurating the 2025 year’s SDGs-short-film challenge on Thursday in Abuja.
The SDGs-short-film challenge was organised by the UN Information Centre (UNIC) and OSSAP-SDGs as an initiative to mobilise filmmakers to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs through storytelling in the country and beyond.
She said the initiative was designed for creatives to produce impactful “maximum 15-minute” short films that highlight developmental challenges, propose solutions and inspire action against poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, climate change and social justice.
Orelope-Adefulire said, “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.
“Through compelling narratives, the challenge aims to educate, provoke conversations and drive tangible action towards ending hunger, reducing inequalities, and protecting our planet.”
She stated that the success so far recorded by the initiative in the past two editions attested to the power of partnerships and creativity, urging young filmmakers to create films that aligned with the core principles of the SDGs.
She said the first edition, held in 2022, received 73 submissions, while the second edition attracted 2,250 entries from 119 countries and that the third edition would be expanded in terms of 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 skills needed to create impactful SDG-themed films.
“Unlike previous single-day events, this year’s grand finale will span three days from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, 2025, featuring stakeholder exhibitions, high-level discussions and thematic panels.
“One of the winning films will be expanded into feature-length production. 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.
Earlier, Mr Mohamed Fall, UN Resident coordinator in Nigeria, described the event as a call to action, a celebration of creativity and a rallying cry for sustainable development.
According to him, Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse with the Nollywood industry, which is among the largest film industries in the world, reaching millions across Africa and beyond.
Fall said, “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. This year’s challenge, led by the OSSAP-SDGs, UNIC and Fresh NEWS, builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.”
He restated that the SDGs-film challenge embodied the UN’s vision on the role of the youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward.
He further said that such a vision aligned with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognising youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
(QED)
