Nigeria has officially launched the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Short Film Challenge, marking the third edition of this initiative to leverage storytelling to promote sustainable development.
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals inaugurated the event in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre. The challenge is designed to engage filmmakers and encourage them to create impactful short films of up to 15 minutes, addressing critical issues such as poverty, gender inequality, climate change, and social justice.
Senior Special Assistant Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire emphasised the importance of storytelling in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and inspiring action towards achieving the SDGs. Highlighting the success of previous editions, with increasing participation—from 73 submissions in 2022 to 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year—Orelope-Adefulire announced enhancements for the upcoming challenge. These include training sessions for emerging filmmakers to develop the skills necessary to craft meaningful narratives related to the SDGs. This year’s grand finale will take place over three days from August 21 to 23, 2025, featuring exhibitions and high-level discussions.
UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, hailed the initiative as a celebration of creativity and a rallying call for sustainable development. He noted Nigeria’s potential as a storytelling powerhouse and emphasised the importance of empowering young Nigerians to address pressing issues through film. The 2025 SDGs Short Film Challenge aims to raise awareness and drive tangible action towards a more sustainable future, solidifying Nigeria’s role in utilising storytelling as a catalyst for change.
