UN, OSSAP-SDGs, FreshNEWS Unveil 3rd edition of SDGs Film Challenge & Awards

The United Nations, UN System in Nigeria, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs and FreshNEWS Media Group on Wednesday unveiled the third edition of the SDGs film Challenge and Awards.

The initiative was launched in 2024 with the first edition also held that year, while the second edition followed in 2025.

The unveiling of the third edition of the SDGs Film Challenge which also marked the opening of the portal for submission of entries for the completion held at the UN House, Abuja was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, Ronald David Kayanja, Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) for Nigeria, UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Francis Kuawu Koessan, the Chief Executive Officer of FreshNEWS Media Group, Mr. Desmond Utomwen, Mrs Anita Utomwen, top officials of UN, senior media practitioners, filmmakers among others.

Speaking during the official launch, Princess Orelope-Adefulire described the event as another significant milestone in the journey towards leveraging storytelling as a powerful advocacy tool for the SDGs in Nigeria and beyond. She reiterated that the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in the Decade of Action to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs through storytelling.

“It invites creatives to produce impactful short films (maximum 15 minutes) that highlight developmental challenges, propose solutions, and inspire action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender inequality, climate change, and social justice,” she said while noting that beyond raising awareness, the initiative also 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,” said the Presidential Adviser.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire noted that the success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnerships and creativity between OSSAP-SDGs and United Nations Information Centre.

She highlighted significant milestones achieved in the first two editions of the Film Challenge: “Launched in 2022, the maiden edition culminated in a grand finale on 12th August 2023 to mark International Youth Day at the Continental Hotel, Abuja. Building on its success, the second edition expanded significantly, with the grand finale hosted at Silverbird Galleria, Abuja, on 21st December 2024. 6. The impact has been remarkable, with participation growing exponentially.

“The first edition received 73 submissions, while the second edition attracted 2,250 entries from 119 countries, demonstrating the initiative’s impact and global reach,”
Following from the successes recorded in the first two editions, Princesss Orelope-Adefulire revealed that the third edition is going to be bigger and expanded as strong show of support for the initiative and to deepen its impact, reach and to accelerate SDGs implementation in Nigeria.

She listed the key strategic activities for the third edition of the initiative to include training and capacity-building programme, stakeholders’ engagement and three-day SDGs Film Festival that will culminate in the grand finale.

Also, the winning entry will be expanded into feature length film.

“We will host training sessions to equip young filmmakers with the skills needed to create impactful SDG-themed films. Unlike previous single-day events, this year’s grand finale will span three days (21st to 23rd August 2025), featuring stakeholder exhibitions, high-level discussions, and thematic panels. Additionally, one of the winning films will be expanded into a feature-length film.
“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,” the Presidential Adviser said while officially declaring the online portal for submission of films open.

She invited filmmakers to submit short films (max 15 minutes) addressing selected SDG themes through compelling storytelling and visual through the portal for assessment by panel of judges made up filmmaking experts, media professionals, UN representatives, and sustainable development specialists for evaluation of creativity, impact, and SDGs alignment.

“From the entries, three finalists will be shortlisted, with winners announced at the grand finale. The challenge will conclude with an awards ceremony, celebrating exceptional films and reinforcing the power of film as a tool for advocacy and social change. The winning film will receive prizes, global exposure, and additional opportunities, while participants will benefit from exchange programmes and mentorship initiatives,” Princess Orelope-Adefulire said.

She also appealed to government agencies, development partners, private sector leaders, media organisations, and creative professionals to join in the sponsorship of the SDGs Film Challenge to make the initiative even more impactful, transforming it into a truly remarkable annual programme – one that not only highlights the SDGs, but also strengthens the creative economy, nurtures talent, and advances national development: “Let us work together to empower our youth, providing them with platforms to express their creativity, share their stories, and drive meaningful change. The potential is immense, and the rewards are invaluable—not just for participants, but for society as a whole. The SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards is more than just a competition; it is a movement. A platform where young visionaries can shape narratives, challenge norms, and propose innovative solutions to global challenges.”

She ended her speech with a challenge to young filmmakers to take advantage of the SDGs Film Challenge to lend their voices to the promotion of SDGs, noting that their creativity and passion can inspire change, challenge the status quo, and influence policies that will shape our future.

“As we launch this new edition, I call on young filmmakers to create impactful films themed on any of the SDGs. Let us remember that every story told has the power to change lives, influence minds, and accelerate the realisation of the SDGs. The challenge before us is significant, but through determination, collaboration, and innovation, we can build a Nigeria and a world where no one is left behind. Together, let us harness the power of storytelling to build a just, equitable, and sustainable future,” Princess Orelope Adefulire said.

Also, speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, urged filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the SDGs.
“Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among largest film industry in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling 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,” Fall said while reiterating support of the global body for the initiative.

“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions,” he said while acknowledging the increasing popularity and interest from Nigeria and the global community in the SDGs Film Challenge. “From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, to lead, and to transform their world,” said the UNRC.

He added that the SDGs Film Challenge is in line with the Pact of the Future adopted by world leaders at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, UNGA in 2024. “Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.

“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll. Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters. Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development,” Fall charges Filmmakers.

Also speaking, Koessan urged young filmmakers to take advantage of the SDGs Film Award to spotlight issues needed to advance the 2030 Agenda in Nigeria: “Nigeria needs your support. Don’t hold back. Just do it!”