Together with UNICEF: Paving the Way for Future Leaders through Empowerment and Action

Our organization, the Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI-Solution17), is gearing up for a significant event this November in partnership with UNICEF . We are thrilled about the transformative impact this project will have, building on the success of our previous groundbreaking initiatives!

Who We Are

CYCDI-Solution17 is an organization with special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Our work focuses on driving sustainable development through innovative partnerships with UN agencies, diplomatic missions, and the private sector. With a strong track record of delivering globally recognized projects, such as the Solution17 for #CRC30 in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria and the Solution17 Art for Climate Change project—launched by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed—CYCDI-Solution17 is at the forefront of climate action and social impact.

Our journey began in 2011 with the Vision of the Child initiative, which Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka guided. Since then, we have been committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

A Journey of Transformation: Solution17's Partnership with UNICEF Nigeria

In 2019, Solution17 embarked on a transformative journey with UNICEF Nigeria, marking the beginning of a collaboration aimed at uplifting youth through creativity, education, and sustainable development. What started over five years ago has grown into a robust platform that involves and empowers young people across Nigeria, demonstrating the remarkable potential of partnerships for social impact.

From Art to Children's Development: The Vision Takes Shape

Our journey began at the prestigious 2009 Caterina de' Medici International Painting Award in Florence, Italy. During the award dinner, Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and head of the jury, shared profound advice that reshaped our mission. His words inspired us to expand our vision beyond promoting Nigerian artists to embrace a cause that would resonate deeply with the nation and beyond—advancing children's development.

Inspired by this vision, the Vision of the Child (VoTC) initiative was born in 2011. Under the guidance of Professor Soyinka, VoTC was established to provide a platform for children to express their creativity and talent while also nurturing leadership and social responsibility. During the Lagos Black Heritage Festival, the first edition of VoTC took place in 2012, with the support of Diamond Bank and the Lagos State Government. The initiative, which Professor Soyinka actively supported as a Festival Consultant, became a powerful platform for education, creativity, and child development.

Scaling Up: The Transition to Solution17 for SDGs

As VoTC evolved, so did its mission. In 2018, the platform scaled up to Solution17 for SDGs, embracing the global Sustainable Development Goals and working to cultivate future leaders and nation-builders through creative projects tied to the SDGs.

In 2019, this evolution took a monumental step forward when UNICEF Nigeria, through its Chief of Communication, Elena Drakopoulos, reached out to Solution17. They invited us to join in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC30) and requested the participation of Professor Wole Soyinka.

Ever passionate about children's causes, Professor Soyinka graciously composed an original poem titled "The Child Before A Mirror of Strangers," which became the heart of our collaborative project with UNICEF.

The CRC30 Project: Amplifying Children's Voices

Led by our Project Director- Foluke Michael , Solution17 for the CRC30 project invited children across Nigeria to submit literary pieces, essays, short stories, or poems based on the theme of "The Child Before A Mirror of Strangers." The response was overwhelming, with thousands of children eager to participate. After a rigorous selection process, 17 finalists—each representing a Sustainable Development Goal—were chosen from 17 schools in Nigeria.

In November 2019, these talented young finalists were invited to participate in a unique training and networking session at the Solution17 Creative Hub. This was followed by a remarkable group painting session at JJT Park in Ikeja Lagos State, where the children created an 8x4-foot canvas artwork in just eight hours.

The event culminated in a grand celebration in December 2019, hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner, featuring a special poetry reading by Professor Soyinka himself.

Empowering the Next Generation: Generation Unlimited and Beyond

Our partnership with UNICEF Nigeria didn't stop there. In 2021, we were honoured to be part of the Generation Unlimited launch, a UNICEF initiative to provide young people with opportunities to reach their full potential. Solution17 played a key role in the event, working closely with the dedicated UNICEF team, including Ejiofor Blessing and, Ochuko E. , who tirelessly supported our youth in Lagos.

Two inspiring young leaders from our Vision of the Child (VoTC) platform, Victory Ashaka and Anjolaoluwa Olanrewaju, who joined us at just 9 and 11 years old, were selected to represent Solution17 at the launch of Generation Unlimited in Abuja. They showcased their exceptional talents, reinforcing the vital role of youth in driving sustainable and equitable change for the future.

Looking Forward: Unleashing the Power of Youth

We are deeply grateful for UNICEF Nigeria's continued support and opportunities. Together, we have showcased the talents and creativity of young Nigerians on global stages, from the Global Forum for Children and Youth to International Children's Day and the International Day of the Girl Child. Now, as we look ahead, we are more determined than ever to onboard even more young people onto the UNICEF and Generation Unlimited platforms.

The future belongs to our youth, and by equipping them with the tools, training, and opportunities they need, we can help them create a better, more equitable world. Our partnership with UNICEF Nigeria has shown that when we invest in young people, we unlock their full potential and empower them to become tomorrow's leaders, influencers, and changemakers.

Stay tuned as we continue this journey—we can achieve much more together.

Thank you @celine Celine Lafoucriere

cc: UNICEF Kevin Frey Dan Walkovitz Jim Jurewicz Joseph Hammond Carol Ann Whitehead FRSA CMgr CCMI UN SDG Action Campaign United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Wook-Jin Chang Generation Unlimited Fisayo Adeyemi Haoma Worgwu Banky Wellington