First Lady Urges Global Action To Empower Youth At Global ‘First Partners’ Academy

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has called for urgent global action to prepare the younger generation for a rapidly changing world, emphasizing that leaders must not wait for the future to arrive but actively shape it.

Speaking on the second day of the Third Annual Global First Partners Academy in New York, Mrs. Tinubu addressed a diverse audience of First Ladies, academics, and global policy influencers under the theme “First Partners’ Role in the World: Preparing the Youth for the Future.”

In a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu said “across continents, we face a common challenge of a rapidly evolving global landscape. Whether in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, the future is being shaped by technology, innovation, climate change, migration, and new economic paradigms”.

She stressed that First Ladies hold a powerful but often overlooked role, saying “as First Partners, we occupy a unique space: we are non-partisan influencers, public advocates, and maternal figures in our national and global communities. With this role comes an opportunity and a moral obligation to lead.”

Drawing from her experience as an educator, she underscored the resilience and innovation of Nigerian youth.

“Our youth are creative, innovative, hardworking and resilient. We just need to engage them positively, believe in them, and create a conducive environment for them to thrive”, she said.

Tinubu tied her remarks to Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and her Renewed Hope Initiative, which priorities education, mentorship, and empowerment.

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“We cannot wait for the future to happen; we must shape it now,” she said, quoting Abraham Lincoln: ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’

She further emphasized the need to engage young people in the spaces where they already operate — technology, creative industries, climate activism, and governance.

“As adults, we have a lot of catching up to do. We must build bridges to engage our youth through scholarships, internships, mentorships, and programs that foster civic participation and public service,” she added.

Throughout the session, delegates from various continents continued dialogue on conflict resolution, youth engagement, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence.

Faculty members — including serving and former First Ladies — shared tools and insights on promoting social cohesion and leading inclusive initiatives.

Panels covered topics such as AI in Women’s Health, Technological Trends Shaping Youth Futures, and AI in Food Security, underscoring the event’s broader commitment to addressing global challenges with innovation and collaboration.