Young Nigerians Explore Global Citizenship and Democracy in Kaduna
- Young World Federalists
- Aug 21
- 2 min read
On 14 August 2025, young leaders, civil society activists, and media professionals gathered in Kaduna, Nigeria for a pioneering dialogue on Advancing Global Citizenship and Democracy for Sustainable Development. Organised by Children and Young People Living for Peace (CYPLP) in partnership with the Young World Federalists (YWF), the event brought together twenty participants to reflect on how their local experiences connect to global challenges.
The day began with three guiding questions that were written on posters around the room: Who is a global citizen? What does global democracy mean to you? What is one reform you would like to see at the United Nations, and when? Participants wrote their answers on sticky notes and placed them on the walls, sparking a lively and collaborative discussion. Their responses were heartfelt and inspiring. One participant described a global citizen as “one who knows that he has a place in the global world and is aware that what happens anywhere in the world affects everyone.” Others defined global democracy as “giving everyone a chance in decision-making on global issues without discrimination” and as “the right of everyone in the world to have a voice and be listened to.”
As the dialogue continued, participants kept returning to the theme of United Nations reform. Many felt that the UN, as it stands, does not adequately reflect the voices of all peoples, and they called for an inclusive institution that leaves no voice behind. For them, equality in decision-making is not a long-term aspiration but an immediate necessity. Their demands echoed YWF’s mission to build a democratic world order where people, not only states, shape decisions on climate change, violent conflict, and other global crises.
Through breakout sessions, the participants began turning ideas into tangible plans of action. They discussed how global problems, often seen as distant and insurmountable, can be addressed through local efforts that connect with broader global networks. As emphasised in the presentation delivered at the event, youth activists, civil society organisations, and the media have a central role to play in advancing these goals: through advocacy, awareness raising, digital mobilisation, and building solidarity across borders.
For many, the day was not only about learning new concepts but also about affirming their place in a wider struggle for justice and democracy. One attendee reflected that they had learned so much and hoped more events like this would be organised, so others could also discover what it means to be a global citizen.
The Kaduna dialogue, the first of its kind in the city, showed the power of young people coming together to imagine their role in a democratic and peaceful world order. It demonstrated that local conversations, when connected to global movements, can help bring us closer to a future where humanity acts together as one.
