First Ladies Focus on Youth Empowerment, AI, and Conflict Resolution as Global First Partners Academy Enters Day 2

First Ladies Focus on Youth Empowerment, AI, and Conflict Resolution as Global First Partners Academy Enters Day 2

New York, USA – July 9, 2025 — The ongoing Third Annual Global First Partners Academy in New York entered its second day with powerful conversations centered around youth empowerment, technological advancement, and conflict resolution.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, delivered a compelling address titled “First Partners' Role in the World: Preparing the Youth for the Future”, urging global leaders to take deliberate actions in shaping the future, particularly for young people.

Speaking to an audience of current and former First Ladies, global experts, and policy influencers, Senator Tinubu emphasized the urgency of supporting youth aspirations in the face of rapidly evolving global dynamics.

“Whether in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, the future is being shaped by innovation, climate change, migration, and technology,” she stated. “We cannot afford to wait for the future to happen. We must shape it now.”

Drawing from her experience as an educator and advocate, the Nigerian First Lady highlighted the transformative power of nurturing the mental capacity and self-belief of young people. She emphasized that youth are inherently innovative, resilient, and hardworking—but need strategic engagement and an enabling environment to thrive.

She cited her Renewed Hope Initiative as a key platform supporting the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the program is focused on creating opportunities through education, mentorship, and civic participation.

“Preparing the youth means meeting them where they are—in the digital space, in tech, in creative industries, and in climate and governance dialogues,” Senator Tinubu explained. “As adults, we must catch up and build bridges to ensure they are not left behind.”

She also stressed the unique position of First Ladies as maternal figures and non-partisan advocates, encouraging them to leverage their influence to build global partnerships that address challenges facing women, children, and young people.

The day’s sessions featured a range of thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions by serving and former First Ladies, scholars, and experts. Topics included the role of Artificial Intelligence in women’s health, emerging tech trends shaping the future for young people, and the integration of AI in ensuring global food security.

The forum also explored practical tools for promoting social cohesion, addressing polarization, and turning conflict into opportunities for inclusive development.

Organized by the Global First Ladies Alliance in partnership with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, the academy aims to equip First Ladies with strategic leadership skills while fostering a global network of change agents.

As the academy progresses, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s interventions continue to resonate, spotlighting Nigeria’s efforts in youth development, digital inclusion, and community-focused policy solutions.