Abuja hosts 3rd SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards Dec. 9

On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the Nigerian Army Conference Centre and Suites in Abuja will once again transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and sustainable development advocacy. The reason is clear: the Grand Finale of the 3rd Edition of the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards—a fast-rising global platform that has successfully positioned young filmmakers at the heart of the push towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What began humbly in 2023 with just 73 film submissions has now evolved into one of the most influential youth-driven development advocacy movements across Africa. This year, the Challenge reached a historic milestone with 2,265 entries received from 140 countries, reaffirming the power of storytelling to cross boundaries, inspire action and connect global citizens with shared development aspirations.

A Vision Born from Decade of Action

The initiative, jointly organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and FreshNEWS Multimedia Networks, was created to galvanise young creatives to contribute to the 2030 Agenda through film. It aligns perfectly with the Decade of Action, the global call urging nations to accelerate their progress on the SDGs.

According to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Short Film Challenge represents “a dynamic vehicle for mobilising young people to interrogate developmental issues, provide homegrown solutions and inspire society through the creative power of film.” Her message captures the soul of an initiative that bridges creativity and policy, entertainment and advocacy, youth expression and global development.

A Festival Beyond a Competition

The 2025 Grand Finale is designed not merely as an award ceremony but as a full-scale development and creative festival. Proceedings will begin at 2:00pm with the Opening of the Exhibition Centre—an interactive space showcasing SDG-themed artworks, innovative installations and development solutions imagined by young creators.

This will be followed by screenings of shortlisted films, each one tackling urgent issues ranging from climate action to gender equality, poverty, education, responsible consumption, health, environmental sustainability and more. The films give voice to global concerns, local realities and personal stories, all crafted within fifteen minutes of visual storytelling.

Dialogue sessions will bring together a cross-section of young filmmakers, policymakers, development partners, civil society actors, and creative industry stakeholders. These conversations are among the most anticipated moments of the festival, as they deepen the exchange of ideas and provide a bridge between creativity and policy reform.

From 4:00pm, the ambience transitions into glamour and celebration as the Red Carpet opens, setting the stage for the Gala Night, the high-level opening and the signature highlight—the Awards Presentation.

A Growth Story Rooted in Purpose

The journey of the SDGs Short Film Challenge is a testament to the rising appetite among youth globally to engage with social challenges using accessible digital tools. In 2023, the first edition attracted just 73 entries.

By 2024, the initiative grew exponentially, receiving 2,250 films from 119 countries. This year’s tally of 2,265 entries from 140 countries not only sets a new record but also reflects a fast-growing creative community committed to development storytelling.

The Challenge provides much more than recognition. For many participants, it is a life-changing opportunity—offering international exposure, expanded creative networks, potential mentorships, and the chance to participate in exchange programmes and development-focused platforms.

Fueled by Partnerships, Driven by Youth

One of the most significant strengths of the initiative is the partnership behind it. OSSAP-SDGs brings policy leadership, UNIC contributes global resonance and credibility, while FreshNEWS Multimedia provides the creative backbone, youth mobilisation and production expertise. Together, they have shaped a model that is both developmental and entertaining.

The films submitted each year are more than artistic expressions; they are calls to action. They challenge stereotypes, confront injustice, spotlight inequalities and celebrate resilience. They articulate the reality of communities often ignored. And most importantly, they demonstrate that young people are not just passive beneficiaries of the 2030 Agenda—they are active architects of sustainable development.

Looking Ahead to 9 December 2025

As anticipation builds, Abuja prepares to host filmmakers, diplomats, development partners, creative industry figures, youth leaders, civil society groups and members of the public—all coming together in celebration of a global movement driven by passion, vision and creativity.

The 3rd Edition of the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards is set to be a festival that blends advocacy, culture, entertainment and policy dialogue. It promises to reinforce one central message: storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals.

And as the world meets once again in Nigeria’s capital city, the spotlight will shine brightly on the young visionaries shaping the narrative of a sustainable future—one film at a time.