Maryam Bukar Hassan, a Nigerian spoken word artist and poet, has became the first UN Global Advocate for Peace.
A post on the UN’s verified Facebook page (July 30, 2025) said: “Her message is one of hope which is particularly resonant for young people who often bear the brunt of conflict or feel paralyzed by global crises.”
The news of her appointment had been reported last week following which she received congratulatory messages from across a wide cross-section of the Nigerian society.
Ms. Bukar has showcased her work on prestigious platforms including the UN SDG Awards, TED Talks and the World Bank Youth Summit. She has collaborated with the UN on initiatives such as the “Peace Begins With Me” poetry video for the International Day of Peace and her impactful spoken word performance at last year’s Summit of the Future.
Her dedication has earned her accolades such as the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and finalist recognition for the 2024 UN SDG Creativity Award.
According to the UN, in her new role as the first Global Advocate for the entire Peace and Security Pillar, Ms. Bukar will advance the UN’s peace efforts including through the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas, through storytelling, digital engagement, and public speaking.
