United Nations Ready To Partner With MTN Foundation – UN Deputy Sec-Gen Mohammed Declares

Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed has applauded the MTN Foundation for its significant contributions to societal transformation through its corporate social investment over the past years.

She made this commendation at the recently held stakeholder conference in Abuja on November 6, 2024, in commemoration of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary.

Held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the conference was attended by dignitaries and leaders from the public and private sectors. Stakeholders came together to celebrate MTN Foundation’s 20 years of impact and discuss avenues for collaboration in improving society.

During her virtual keynote speech, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed encouraged private sector organizations to invest their resources in promoting welfare and development, noting that they are instrumental in achieving the UN’s global Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs). “Achieving the United Nations 2030 global Sustainable Development Goals will require resources far beyond the reach of governments alone. It will require the mobilization of support from all sectors, with the private sector engagement at the heart of our mission. In Nigeria, achieving the SDGs will require $10bn annually, a challenge no government can meet alone”.

She lauded the Foundation for its unwavering commitment to championing sustainable development through its diverse CSR initiatives. “MTN Foundation embodies the transformative power of public-private partnerships. Its investment in education, healthcare, digital literacy and youth empowerment has touched the lives of countless individuals. By providing scholarships, supporting maternal and child health and helping young people develop skills for the future, MTN Foundation’s initiatives build resilience in our communities and create pathways for sustainable growth”.

Mohammed affirmed the United Nation’s continued support for the MTN Foundation and its initiatives. “The United Nations stands ready to accompany the MTN Foundation and other private sector partners on this collective journey, amplifying our collective impact. Together we can accelerate action on the SDGs, foster innovation and address systemic barriers to development”.

Also in his remarks, Ag. Chairman, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro highlighted the noteworthy areas of impact of the MTN Foundation and the vision which birthed its establishment 20 years ago. “Today, we celebrate decades of MTN Foundation’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development through empowering communities, driving social impact, and improving access to education, healthcare, skills, funding and community infrastructure, the Foundation has played a vital role in bringing to life and ensuring vision of enhancing the quality of life across Nigeria.”

Okoro noted that since its inception in 2004, the MTN Foundation has invested over N30bn in over 50 projects and initiatives, impacting up to 31.3 million Nigerians in 3,323 communities across the country.

Speaking on the theme of the event, “Unlocking Private Capital for Sustainable Development in Nigeria”, Okoro noted that the conference was not just a celebratory event, but also a call to action for private sector operators to invest their resources in driving social impact and sustainable growth in Nigeria. “We are driven by the belief that by harnessing the collective potential of the private sector, we can contribute significantly to national development goals and improve the quality of life of all Nigerians”.

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The MTN Foundation Stakeholder Conference provided dignitaries and esteemed guests with an in-depth look at the Foundation’s achievements over the past 20 years, highlighting the significant changes it has fostered across the nation and its unwavering commitment to inspiring impact where it matters. The conference marks the beginning of MTN Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations, which will continue with an exclusive dinner in Lagos on November 14, 2024.