United Nations officials have called for urgent action to bridge digital gaps, as students from Premiere Academy, Abuja, simulated a UN General Assembly session at the UN House. The event, part of the second edition of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN), was organized in partnership with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Abuja, under the theme 'Digital transformation of the educational sector as a driver of sustainable development.'
A total of 109 students took on the roles of ambassadors representing UN member states, following the procedural format of the UN General Assembly. The session concluded with the presentation and adoption of a resolution by plenary rapporteur Larissa Muftwang.
Guterres Highlights Digital Education Challenges
The proceedings opened with a pre-recorded goodwill message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized that digital transformation is central to building a sustainable and equitable future. Guterres noted that many countries have moved beyond traditional teaching methods by integrating subjects such as artificial intelligence, coding, and basic electronics into national curricula to prepare students for technology-driven jobs.
He described digital education as a tool for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on quality education. 'When digital tools are used, students in far-away villages can also be reached with the same high-quality information found in the biggest cities, helping to close the gap between the rich and the poor,' he said.
However, Guterres outlined persistent barriers, including the digital divide that leaves many rural and low-income areas without stable internet and electricity. He pointed out that some schools have devices such as tablets and laptops, but teachers have not been trained to use them for instruction. He also noted that reliance on foreign applications that do not reflect local languages, culture, and history remains a challenge in several regions.
Call for Investment in Teacher Training and Local Content
To address these issues, Guterres urged member states to go beyond distributing computers and invest in intensive teacher training to develop digital expertise. He called for the establishment of community technology centers offering free internet and solar-powered devices in underserved areas. He also encouraged local tech experts to develop applications and lessons rooted in indigenous languages and history.
UN Resident Coordinator Emphasizes Youth Role
Speaking at the event, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, said the summit served as a platform for young people to understand diplomacy, multilateralism, and the practice of dialogue and consensus-building. Represented by the Country Head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) in Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, she described the theme as timely and transformational, noting that the digital revolution has continued to reshape education, economies, and societies.
She cited data from UNICEF showing that only about 36 per cent of Nigeria's population uses the Internet, while 78 per cent of young people lack basic digital literacy skills. She also noted that more than 10 million primary school-age children remain out of school, underscoring the scale of the education crisis and the urgency of digital solutions.
Attafuah acknowledged interventions by UN agencies to address these gaps and urged PAIMUN delegates to contribute ideas and resolutions to improve learning infrastructure in the country. She encouraged students to use their roles on the committees to propose concrete ideas for expanding access to education through technology.
Principal Thanks UN for Collaboration
The Principal of Premiere Academy, Chris Akinsowon, thanked the UN Office for collaborating with the school to make PAIMUN a platform for learning and mentorship.
