The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting filmmaking as a tool to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.
Fall spoke at the grand finale of the third edition of the SDG Short Film Challenge and Awards 2025 in Abuja, which brought together filmmakers, policymakers, and development partners to celebrate creativity that promotes sustainable development.
While the UN has invested in local talent and amplified diverse voices, Fall said more efforts are needed. “Policymakers, the private sector, and development partners must invest in film stories to accelerate progress toward the SDGs”, he said.
He added: “A film story can change lives, change Nigeria, and even impact the world. Less than five years remain until 2030. Inequality persists, poverty continues, climate change demands urgent action, and the world is waiting for us to step up”.
Fall outlined the UN’s key pathways to achieving the SDGs, including transforming food systems, ensuring clean water and affordable energy, bridging the digital divide, building resilient cities, and protecting biodiversity.
He also highlighted the growth of the SDG Short Film Challenge, with entries rising from 73 submissions in 2023 to over 2,265 in 2025, demonstrating the rising engagement of young filmmakers in sustainable development storytelling.
“This is creativity for action, art for transformation, story for sustainability. The UN in Nigeria stands with filmmakers, but policymakers and private-sector partners must also fund films and ensure they reach every corner of society. Through film, we can turn ideas into action and leave no one behind”, Fall said.
He outlined the UN’s key pathways to achieve the SDGs, including:
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Transforming food systems for better nutrition and sustainability
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Ensuring access to clean water and affordable energy
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Bridging the digital divide for inclusive development
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Building resilient, sustainable cities
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Protecting biodiversity and natural resources for future generations
The event featured panel discussions, workshops, and mentorship sessions, with awards presented for films on climate action, gender equality, and quality education.
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