Overview
UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector works to build inclusive, peaceful, and equitable societies by advancing social policies, supporting youth development, promoting human rights, and strengthening ethical frameworks for emerging technologies.
Nigeria’s engagement with SHS aligns closely with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes governance reforms, social inclusion, youth empowerment, and human capital development.
Nigeria’s Priorities in Social and Human Sciences
Nigeria is actively implementing national initiatives that strengthen social resilience, promote peace, protect vulnerable groups, and enhance inclusive development. Key priorities include:
Promoting Social Inclusion
- Expanding social protection systems
- Strengthening support for women, youth, and marginalized communities
- Advancing disability inclusion through national frameworks and accessibility initiatives
Youth Empowerment
- Large-scale programmes for youth innovation, entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership
- Initiatives aligned with UNESCO’s African Union Continental Strategy for Youth Development
- Collaborations with UNESCO on youth networks, training, and skills development
Peacebuilding & Conflict Prevention
- National action plans supporting peace education, dialogue, and mediation
- Community-based peacebuilding efforts in partnership with civil society and international organizations
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence & Science
- Nigeria is developing national frameworks for AI governance, aligning with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
- Efforts to ensure responsible, human-centered adoption of emerging technologies
UNESCO–Nigeria Cooperation in SHS
Nigeria and UNESCO work together on several flagship SHS programmes:
1. Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking
- Linking research to public policy
- Promoting dialogue between government, academia, and civil society
2. Youth Engagement and Leadership
- Participation in UNESCO youth forums
- National youth training, innovation labs, and volunteer programmes
- Support to SDG-driven youth leadership initiatives
3. Ethics of AI and Emerging Technologies
- Capacity building on ethical technology governance
- Support for Nigeria’s national AI strategy and regulatory development
- Promoting human rights-centered digital transformation
4. Culture of Peace & Human Rights
- Strengthened frameworks for peace education
- Civic engagement programmes promoting tolerance, dialogue, and social cohesion
Building Inclusive and Resilient Societies
Through sustained cooperation with UNESCO, Nigeria continues to advance policies and programmes that support:
- Human rights and dignity
- Participatory governance
- Peaceful and inclusive communities
- Youth empowerment
- Ethical innovation and technological progress
The Social and Human Sciences Sector plays a critical role in ensuring that Nigeria’s national development is equitable, people-centered, and aligned with international human rights and peacebuilding standards.
