At UN Forum, Hannatu Musawa advocates for culture as enabler of sustainable growth
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing culture as a catalyst for sustainable development during her address at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Dialogue on Culture and Sustainable Development.
Speaking on May 21, 2025, at the UN headquarters, Musawa delivered a presentation titled “Connecting Cultures in the Digital Era”, where she outlined Nigeria’s vision to integrate cultural heritage and technological innovation as drivers of economic transformation.
She highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Cultural Labour Asset Programme (CLAP) and the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF), which aim to empower young creatives and expand Nigeria’s cultural footprint globally. According to the minister, these programs are pivotal in the government’s strategy to grow the nation’s creative economy to $100 billion by 2030.
“In Nigeria, culture is no longer on the sidelines—it is central to digital innovation, economic inclusion, and global influence,” Musawa stated. She emphasized the importance of building digital bridges between communities and leveraging culture to foster unity, creativity, and economic resilience.
Musawa’s address positioned Nigeria as a leading voice in advocating for the inclusion of cultural policy in global development frameworks, signaling a new era of cultural diplomacy and investment in the arts.
The event brought together global leaders, policymakers, and cultural advocates to explore the transformative role of culture in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
