By Oluchi Obiahu
Venue: Aso Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel | Date: October 25, 2025
The United Nations marked its 80th anniversary in grand style with a vibrant, youth-focused celebration in Abuja titled “Youth Concert: Celebrate UN@80.” The event, held at Aso Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, aligned with the global UN80 theme, “Building Our Future Together,” spotlighting peace, creativity, and youth empowerment.
Organized by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Nigeria in partnership with Raising Women Initiative and other local collaborators, the evening doubled as the official launch of the Creative Alliance for Peace (CAP); an initiative designed to harness the power of arts, music, and cultural expression to drive peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and sustainable development across Africa.
The event drew a distinguished audience of diplomats, youth leaders, artists, and UN officials, including Mr. Mohammed Malick Fall, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator; Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative; Mr. Cheikh Toure of UNODC; Ms. Vanessa Phala of the International Labour Organisation (ILO); and Oluwatobiloba Moody representing the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
A moderated panel session explored how music, theatre, visual arts, and storytelling can serve as catalysts for peaceful dialogue and youth engagement. The discussion featured voices from the creative sector, peacebuilding organizations, and UN agencies, emphasizing collaboration as the path toward sustainable harmony.
A highlight of the evening was the formal unveiling of the Creative Alliance for Peace (CAP) – a vibrant platform for artists, cultural practitioners, and young innovators to amplify messages of resilience, promote social cohesion, and support the Sustainable Development Goals through creative expression.
The celebration came alive with artistic showcases, including live performances by D’Banj, Tchella, and a captivating visual art exhibition, reflecting Nigeria’s rich cultural identity and its role in shaping global peace narratives.
The event concluded with inspiring closing remarks reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the UN’s founding ideals of peace, development, and human rights, while inviting participants to engage with CAP’s ongoing projects and partnerships aimed at building a more peaceful and inclusive future.
