The United Nations resident and humanitarian coordinator, Mohamed Fall, has reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting filmmaking to advance Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.

Mr Fall said this at the third edition of the SDGs short film challenge and awards grand finale 2025 on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, though the UN in Nigeria invested in talent and amplified voices, more needs to be done, and policymakers, the private sector, and partners should invest in film stories to achieve the SDGs.

Mr Fall said, “A film story can change life, change Nigeria, and not only Nigeria, but the world. To Bollywood, to Afrobeat, to all the sexism and all sorts of art and creation, we stand at a turning point.

“Less than five years remain until 2030, and this is the time to attain the SDGs, yet the path we are on today is not straight. Inequality persists across the globe; Poverty remains, our climate crimes are under direct action, and the world is waiting for us to step up.”

He said the UN’s pathways to accelerate progress toward the SDGs included transforming food systems, ensuring clean water and affordable energy, and bridging the digital divide for all.

Others are building resilience and sustainable cities, as well as protecting plants and biodiversity for future generations. 

“Since the first edition in 2023, the SDG short film has grown from 73 entries in 2005 to 2,250 entries on 114 entries in 2024 and surged to 2,265 entries on 114 entries this year.

“This is the essence of our challenge today. Creativity for action, art for transformation, story for sustainability. The UN in Nigeria stands with filmmakers. We invest in your talent. We amplify your voice. We support your journey. 

“We cannot do it alone. policymakers, private-sector partners should also invest in films. Fund them and let them reach every corner of our society; through film, we can turn ideas into action, dreams into realities, and ensure we leave no one behind,” he said.

(NAN)