The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Abuja, in collaboration with Premiere Academy, organized the second session of the Premiere Academy International Model United Nations (PAIMUN) General Assembly on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the UN House in Abuja. The PAIMUN conference, launched in 2025 to mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, aims to familiarize young people with the workings of the UN General Assembly through simulation.
Theme and Participation
This year's edition, facilitated by UNIC Abuja, was themed “Digital transformation of the educational sector as a driver of sustainable development.” It involved 109 students from the Abuja school who acted as ambassadors of UN member states in a mock General Assembly session.
Opening Remarks
The session began with a video goodwill message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and an opening remark from the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah. Speeches were also delivered by PAIMUN General Assembly President Tumininu Adewuyi and Secretary-General Chidinma Udeji. The plenary rapporteur, Larissa Muftwang, presented the PAIMUN 2026 General Assembly Resolution before its adoption by participating countries.
Secretary-General's Message
In his pre-recorded message, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that digital transformation is crucial for a sustainable and equitable future. He noted that the world has shifted from traditional teaching methods to technology-driven systems, with many countries integrating subjects like artificial intelligence, coding, and basic electronics into national curricula to prepare students for high-tech jobs. Guterres highlighted that digital education directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by reaching students in remote areas and bridging the gap between rich and poor. However, he pointed out challenges such as the digital divide, lack of stable internet and electricity in rural areas, insufficient teacher training, and reliance on foreign apps that may not align with local cultures. He urged member nations to move beyond simply providing computers and focus on intensive teacher training, establishing community technology centers with free internet and solar-powered devices, and encouraging local tech experts to develop apps and lessons that reflect indigenous languages and history.
Resident Coordinator's Remarks
Ms. Elsie Attafuah, represented by UNFPA Country Head Ms. Muriel Mafico, commended PAIMUN as a powerful platform for empowering youth in diplomacy, multilateralism, dialogue, tolerance, and consensus-building. She described the theme as timely and transformational, noting that the digital revolution has the potential to reshape education, economies, and societies. However, she cited UNICEF figures indicating that only about 36 percent of Nigeria's population uses the internet, 78 percent of young people lack basic digital literacy, and over 10 million primary school-age children are out of school, underscoring the education crisis and the urgency of digital solutions. She praised UN agencies like UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Intellectual Property Organization for their efforts and called on PAIMUN delegates to contribute their voices and bold ideas to transform learning infrastructure. She stated, “This conference is more than an academic exercise. It is your training ground for leadership... Use your voice to propose bold ideas, challenge assumptions, and think creatively about how technology can expand access to education and empower marginalized communities.”
Principal's Address
Earlier, Premiere Academy Principal Mr. Chris Akinsowon thanked the UN Office for the partnership, noting that collaborations like PAIMUN have become essential for advancing learning and mentoring. He observed that teaching and learning have evolved beyond the classroom since the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “At no other time in human history has technology shaped the future of education as profoundly as it does today. The pandemic revealed that nations embracing digital education adapted faster, recovered quicker, and sustained learning more effectively. Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is essential.”
