SDGs ADVOCATE PROGRAMME (COHORT 6)

1.0 BACKGROUND

Nigeria is the largest country in Africa, with a population of over 235 million people. Despite its
vast resources, the country faces numerous development challenges, including poverty and
inequality, climate change and environmental degradation, conflict and insecurity, lack of
infrastructure, and the depletion of our natural resources which contributes to the long-term and
often irreversible problems and undermine the efforts of communities and societies to grow and
prosper.

The SDGs provide a framework for addressing these challenges and achieving sustainable
development for all Nigerians. However, many young people in Nigeria are not aware of the SDGs
and their roles in the implementation of these goals. This reveals the urgency and duty to devote
attention to sustainable development and educate the leaders of tomorrow to effectively deal
with future shocks and disasters.

The country needs many more of its citizens, especially the next generation, to have the necessary
knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills to build resilient and prosperous communities. The SDGs
Advocate Programme fosters leadership and 21st-century skills in youths and students,
empowering them to engage in the global movement for a more sustainable future while inspiring
schools, households, and communities to play a critical role in addressing these critical global
issues in achieving the SDGs by 2030.

1.1 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of this programme is to build a community of exceptional young leaders who will
champion and promote the SDGs across the nation.

Specifically, the SDGs Advocate Programme will:

i. Improve the awareness and theoretical knowledge of Nigerian youths about the SDGs and
their roles in the implementation.
ii. Incorporate sustainable development into schools Nationwide by training young
advocates on the incorporation of SDGs education into schools and other forms of
engagements in their local communities.
iii. Develop new and strengthen existing youth networks to domesticate, engage and monitor
the implementation of SDGs.

The mission of the SDGs Advocate Programme is to create a world where every primary and
secondary school student, family household, or community member is equipped with the
knowledge, values, and skills necessary for effectively responding to the greatest challenges of
this century and shaping a sustainable and prosperous Nigeria.

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Suite 20, Center for Sustainable Development,
Awolowo, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[email protected] | www.sdsnyouth.org
1.2 Programme Focus
The SDGs Advocate Programme is a transformative initiative designed to equip Nigerian youths
with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity to drive SDG advocacy, social impact, and
sustainable development. The programme is committed to integrating SDG education into schools
nationwide while mobilizing youth-led networks to domesticate, engage, and monitor the
implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all 36 states of Nigeria and
the FCT.

The SDGs Advocate Programme is targeted at young leaders and changemakers between the ages
of 18 and 35, including graduates, serving corps members, undergraduates, postgraduates, and
members of youth-led organizations. These advocates will serve as agents of change, leading
community-based projects and mobilizing their peers toward sustainable action.

With a nationwide reach, the programme ensures that youth from diverse backgrounds and
regions can engage, collaborate, and co-create impactful solutions, ultimately contributing to
Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

1.3 About the Organization

Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) was announced by the United Nations
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in 2012 as a leading Non-Governmental Organization in engaging
multi-stakeholders in the post-2015 global development process. The Network mobilizes leaders
from academia, business, civil society, and think-tank group to proffer innovative, sustainable
solutions to emerging problems. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), Nigeria
was launched in 2013 and is being hosted at the University of Ibadan's Centre for Sustainable
Development (CESDEV). The Nigerian Network is Africa's pioneer SDSN and has come a long way,
organizing a series of capacity-building programmes beginning from 2013 onwards nationally.

SDSN Youth is an initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. It was

launched on 1st of June 2015 in Paris. SDSN Youth educates young people about the challenges
of sustainable development and creates opportunities for them to use their creativity and
knowledge to pioneer innovative solutions for the implementation of the SDGs.

Mission Statement: Empowering Youth Globally to create sustainable solutions

Aim & Objectives

a) Educate young people about the SDGs and lead them to pathways for achieving them.
b) Connect young people globally to exchange ideas, share experiences and collaborate to
achieve the SDGs.
c) Support young people in the creation and scaling of innovative solutions for the SDGs.

The SDSN Youth is committed to empowering youth globally to support sustainable development
as enshrined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: a plan for people,
the planet, and prosperity.

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Suite 20, Center for Sustainable Development,
Awolowo, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[email protected] | www.sdsnyouth.org
2.0 Programme Structure

The SDGs Advocate Programme (SDGs-AP) is designed as a 4-month intensive training and
advocacy programme for Nigerian Youths categorized into three (3) distinct phases. The
programme consists of a combination of 20+ Learning Modules (Self Paced and Masterclass
Sessions), Comprehensive Assessment, Own-a-School and Community-Based Projects.

Phase 1: Masterclass Sessions

The Masterclass Sessions are designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills
to become impactful SDG Advocates. Led by industry experts and practitioners in the field of
Sustainable Development, these sessions explore key topics such as the evolution and concept of
sustainability, climate solutions, sustainable energy, innovation, technology for sustainable
development, circular economy, responsible consumption and production, leadership, project
management, and community development.

In addition to the masterclasses, advocates are expected to enroll in three to five self-paced
courses of their choice on the SDG Academy, earning instant certifications. This opportunity
enhances their understanding of the SDGs and provides deeper insights into various development
topics aligned with their areas of expertise. By combining expert-led training with self-paced
learning, participants gain a well-rounded foundation to drive meaningful change in their
communities and beyond.

Phase 2: Own-A-School Project

The Own-A-School initiative seeks to integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into
primary and secondary schools across the country. It introduces students and educators to the
SDGs, helping them understand these global goals and apply them in their daily lives, both inside
and outside the classroom. As part of the programme, advocates will introduce the SDGs to their
selected schools, establish new SDG clubs, or strengthen existing ones to promote sustainability
education.

The School Advocacy Project aims to provide hands-on training on the SDGs, creating a lasting
impact on students, teachers, and the wider school community. Advocates are encouraged to
choose a school (public or private) within a 5km radius of their home or workplace for easier
engagement.

Phase 3: Community Advocacy Project

Each state and community faces unique environmental challenges, resource availability,
economic conditions, and social development levels. Recognizing this diversity, advocates will be
grouped according to their state of residence to ensure that their efforts are tailored to local
needs. Each State Team in the SDGs Advocate Programme will identify a pressing issue, design
sustainable solutions, and initiate targeted advocacy that aligns with the opportunities and
development priorities of their community.

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Suite 20, Center for Sustainable Development,
Awolowo, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[email protected] | www.sdsnyouth.org
The State Advocacy Project is the practical component of the programme, where advocates
collaborate to implement community-based initiatives that address specific challenges within
their states. This will be carried out through two main approaches: Onsite Community-Based
Project and Virtual Advocacy Programme (Webinar).

The project’s core mission is to educate, develop, and create impact. It can focus on various target
groups, including farmers, market vendors, community leaders, artisans, security officers,
healthcare professionals, social service groups, and other relevant stakeholders. Designed to be
innovative, scalable, and replicable, the initiatives should create tangible, lasting change while
keeping costs minimal or even zero.

Advocates will work in teams and collaborate with local communities, NGOs, businesses, and
government agencies to develop and implement sustainable solutions that address their
community’s specific needs and opportunities.

2.1 Programme Timeline (Cohort 6)

S/N ACTIVITIES (PHASE 1) TIMELINE
1. Onboarding of Participants 18th February 2025
2. Opening Ceremony and Information Session 21st February 2025
3. Masterclass Sessions 28th February, 7th, 14th,
21st, 28th March 2025
4. Grouping of Advocates by State 1st – 7th March 2025
5. Submission of School Name for Own-a-school 10th – 16th March 2025
6. Introduction of Self-Paced Courses 17th March 2025
7. Inter-state Networking Session Every First and Third
Saturday of the Month
8. Inter-state Book Reviews Every Last Saturday of the
Month
9. Submission of Introduction Letter to Schools 17th – 31st March 2025
10. Completion of Training 28th March 2025
11. Assessment and Knowledge Evaluation 29th March 2025
12. Submission of Proposal for SDGs Virtual Advocacy 1st – 10th April 2025
Submission of Proposal for Community-Based Project
PHASE 2 & 3
13. Own-a-School Project 22nd April – 30th May
2025
14. SDGs Virtual Advocacy 14th – 30th April 2025
15. Community-Based Project 14th April – 31st May 2025
16. SDGs Virtual Advocacy Report Submission Deadline 15th May 2025
17. Own-a-School Report Submission Deadline 31st May 2025
18. Community-Based Project Report Submission Deadline 31st May 2025
19. Grading and Compilation of Result 1st – 8th June 2025
20. Notification of Successful Advocates 9th June 2025
21. Virtual Graduation and Certification 13th June 2025

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Suite 20, Center for Sustainable Development,
Awolowo, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[email protected] | www.sdsnyouth.org
3.0 Opportunities and Benefits for Participants
The SDGs Advocate Programme offers a transformative experience, equipping participants with
the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to become changemakers in their communities and
beyond. By joining this transformative initiative, advocates gain access to a wealth of
opportunities designed to enhance their personal and professional growth while making a
meaningful impact on society. Participants will:
a) Gain Expert Knowledge and Leadership Skills: Through masterclasses, workshops, and
hands-on training, advocates will develop a deep understanding of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), advocacy strategies, leadership principles, and community
engagement techniques.

b) Earn Global Recognition and Certification: Outstanding participants will receive world-
class recognition for their contributions to sustainable development. Certifications
awarded upon completion will serve as a testament to their expertise and commitment
to driving change.

c) Build a Powerful Network of Changemakers: Advocates will join a vibrant community of

like-minded young leaders, professionals, and experts dedicated to sustainable
development. This network opens doors to collaborations, partnerships, and lifelong
connections with peers from diverse backgrounds.

d) Develop Hands-on Experience in Advocacy and Project Implementation: Advocates will

gain practical skills in project management, community development, stakeholder
engagement, and policy advocacy. They will design and execute real-world projects that
address pressing challenges in their communities.

e) Enhance Career Prospects and Professional Growth: By participating in a high-impact

programme, advocates will strengthen their resumes, gain leadership experience, and
position themselves for future opportunities in NGOs, international organizations,
government agencies, and the private sector.

f) Gain Exclusive Membership to the SDGs Advocate Network: Upon successful completion,
participants will become lifetime members of the SDGs Advocate Network, granting them
ongoing access to exclusive resources, funding opportunities, events, and collaborations

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network

Suite 20, Center for Sustainable Development,
Awolowo, Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
[email protected] | www.sdsnyouth.org