As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States approaches, global leaders and key stakeholders are preparing for high-level discussions on policies and initiatives that could shape the economic futures of their countries.
Among the organisations contributing to these dialogues is Vivacity Development, led by Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola.
Vivacity Development will be organizing a significant side event at UNGA, to spotlight Nigeria’s critical role in the evolving future of work, while also addressing related issues such as climate change, technology, youth empowerment, and agriculture.
Speaking ahead of the event, Oluwakemi emphasized the unique opportunity the UNGA offers to address global challenges, stressing that Nigeria must not be left behind in conversations shaping the future of work.
“UNGA serves as a global platform for tackling the world’s most pressing issues , making it the ideal forum for discussion on the future of work,” she said.
“We felt compelled to host this event because the changing nature of work is essential to sustainable development and improving lives worldwide , particularly in regions like Nigeria.
With technology, youth engagement, and meaningful employment at the forefront, it’s crucial to address these topics during such an high profile gathering.”
Vivacity Development’s initiative comes at a time when the global economy is undergoing profound changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated trends in remote work, automation, and digitalization, reshaping labor markets worldwide.
HoweverNigeria, has faced greater challenging in this transition due to infrastructure gaps, technology limitations , and a lack of education around data protection and digital skills.
Oluwakemi highlighted the urgency of addressing these obstacles to unlock Nigeria’s full potential,particularly, by tapping into is large youth population.
The upcoming side event feature global thought leaders who have successfully implemented future-of-work strategies in various countries.
These experts will provide insights that can help tailor solutions to Nigeria’s specific economic and social context.
“By leveraging these experiences, we aim to create a customized plan that addresses Nigeria unique challenges and opportunities ,” oluwakemi said.
“This will Through this,empower Nigeria’s workforce to thrive in a increasingly dynamic global economy.”
The event, which is the phase first of a broader initiative, aims to deliver sustainable , long term outcomes for Nigeria’s workforce.
It will focus initially on raising awareness and fostering dialogue around the future of work,followed by a second phases dedicated to upskilling individuals to better prepare them for the evolving workforce.
And finally will culminate in tangible job creation efforts, ensuring that the discussions and training from earlier phases lead to real employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
With the positive outlook for the event, Oluwakemi seeks more collaboration with key Nigerian stakeholders, including government bodies and private sector leaders.
She believes that Nigeria’s involvement in shaping the future of work is not just an option, but a necessity.
“This is an event that both government and private individuals should be part of,” she said.
“The pandemic has dramatically reshaped the way we work, and Nigerian workers are already facing significant challenges due to technology barriers and a lack of infrastructure. If we don’t act now, we risk falling even further behind.”
She reflected on a recent webinar organized by Vivacity Development, which brought together people from various sectors to deliberate on these pressing issues.
While the webinar revealed valuable insights, Oluwakemi wants Nigerians from different works of life to be fully engaged in the conversation.She remains hopeful that future collaborations, such as the upcoming UNGA side event, will drive broader participation.
Vivacity Development is not working in isolation. Oluwakemi highlighted the organization’s collaborations with a diverse range of partners, including government agencies, NGOs, private enterprises, and international organizations.
Each partner brings unique expertise, from focusing on the green economy and youth empowerment to offering insights into technology and workforce development aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Together, they aim to ensure that the side event at UNGA reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, with a shared goal of creating actionable strategies for shaping the future of work in Nigeria.
In conclusion, Oluwakemi reiterated the need for collective action to address Nigeria’s workforce challenges.
“We are at a pivotal moment where the decisions we make today about the future of work will determine our nation’s prosperity for decades to come,” she said.
“Nigeria has the talent, the youth, and the drive, but we need to build the systems and strategies to support them in this new world of work. This is why our event at UNGA is so important.”
As the UNGA approaches, Vivacity Development’s side event promises to be a critical moment for Nigeria, offering a platform for the country to redefine its role in the global workforce and ensure its participation in the future of work.
