Nigerian poet and spoken word artist Maryam Bukar has been named the United Nations’ inaugural Global Advocate for Peace, marking a historic milestone in the organization’s approach to conflict resolution. The appointment, formalized during a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, underscores the growing role of arts and youth leadership in global peace initiatives.
UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee unveiled Bukar’s new role before diplomats, officials, and cultural figures, positioning her as a key ambassador for inclusive, youth-centered peacebuilding under the UN’s Peace and Security framework. “Art moves hearts, inspires action, and unites communities,” remarked Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, emphasizing Bukar’s ability to blend creativity with advocacy. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Head of UN Peace Operations, called the appointment “strategic,” noting her potential to amplify awareness of peacebuilding priorities, particularly women’s and youth participation.
Bukar’s artistic career has repeatedly intersected with global policy stages. Her performances at TED Talks, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards, and the World Bank Youth Summit have spotlighted themes of gender equality and social justice. A viral poetry video, Peace Begins With Me, released during the 2023 International Day of Peace, and her 2024 Summit of the Future address cemented her reputation as a transformative voice. Recognition spans the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and a nomination for the UN SDG Creativity Award.
Nigerian diplomats framed the designation as a watershed for African representation. Syndoph Endoni, Chargé d’Affaires of Nigeria’s UN Mission, described it as “proof that young African voices shape international narratives,” while Consul-General Abubakar Jidda linked it to Nigeria’s cultural influence through platforms like Nollywood. Brigadier-General Edward Koleoso, Nigeria’s Defence Adviser to the UN, highlighted the “fusion of creativity and diplomacy” in modern peace efforts, asserting that Bukar’s work would make UN agendas more relatable across generations.
In her new role, Bukar will focus on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas through storytelling, digital campaigns, and public engagements. Her first official act—a spoken word performance at New York’s SummerStage Festival—will see her sharing a stage with Nigerian Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti and Cape Verdean singer Elida Almeida.
During the ceremony, Bukar dedicated the honor to young girls worldwide, stating, “This is for every child who believes her voice can change the world.” She urged increased investment in arts and inclusive education as pathways to lasting peace, framing creativity as both a catalyst for dialogue and a tool for global unity. The appointment signals a shift in peacebuilding tactics, leveraging cultural diplomacy to address 21st-century challenges.
