As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the United States approaches, global leaders and stakeholders prepare to engage in high-level discussions on policies and ideas that could impact the economic trajectories of their respective countries. Among the many international actors poised to contribute to these discussions is Vivacity Development, led by Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola. Vivacity Development will be organizing a significant side event at UNGA, focused on Nigeria’s critical role in the evolving future of work, as well as issues related to climate change, technology, youth empowerment, and agriculture.
Speaking ahead of the event, Oluwakemi highlighted the unique opportunity the UNGA provides for tackling global challenges, emphasizing that Nigeria can not afford to lag behind in conversations shaping the future of work. "UNGA is a global platform where critical discussions about the world’s most pressing issues take place, making it the perfect setting for a conversation about the future of work," she said. "We were inspired to host this event because the evolving nature of work is central to sustainable development and improving lives globally, 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 influential 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. In Nigeria, however, the transition has been more challenging due to infrastructure gaps, technology barriers, and limited education on data protection and digital skills. Oluwakemi stressed that addressing these issues head-on is vital for Nigeria’s future, not just in terms of catching up with global trends, but also in harnessing its enormous potential, particularly through its youthful population.
Oluwakemi noted that the upcoming side event will bring together 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 unique economic and societal landscape. "By leveraging these experiences, we aim to develop a tailored plan for Nigeria that takes its unique challenges and opportunities into account," she said. "Through this, we can ensure that Nigeria’s workforce is empowered to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy."
The event is phase 1 of a larger program that is designed to deliver long-term, sustainable outcomes for Nigeria’s workforce. It will center on sensitization and open dialogues to explore the challenges and opportunities surrounding the future of work, while the second phase will focus on 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 where both government and private individuals play an integral role," 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.
