Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), Kano, on Thursday, 14th August 2025 hosted the United Nations Pact for the Future Summit Step Down Workshop as part of continued effort to promote innovation for sustainable development.
The workshop, organized by the United Nations Pact for the Future Consortium in collaboration with MAAUN, brought together leaders from government, traditional institutions, diplomats, academia, civil society organizations, and development partners to localize and drive the implementation of the United Nations Pact for the Future In Africa.
The event featured technical sessions, panel discussions, and case studies on localizing global goals, with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, sustainable development, innovation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The summit attracted prominent personalities including the Deputy Head of Mission, Polish Embassy in Nigeria, Prof. Maciej Klósak, Political Officer, Polish Embassy in Nigeria, Dr. Patriya Zaja and Dr. Sabina Brakoniecka, Assistant Professor, University of Warsaw.
In his keynote address, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana and Mauritania, Amb. Bala Sani noted the contribution of the United Nations in the socio-economic and political development of member countries in the world through the activities of its various special agencies or organizations.
According to him, such UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have been playing a critical role in achieving social and economic growth and development of member nations.
He described the workshop as timely considering the challenges bedeviling Nigeria and other countries of the world.
In her Goodwill message, the Director, Center for Gender Studies, Bayero University Kano, Amb. Safiya Nuhu, lauded the organisers for hosting the event in Kano, as it would go a long way in introducing global affairs to the Kano community.
She therefore called for the practicality of the SDGs in order to be taught to students in Universities and other institutions of higher learning in the country.
In his remarks, Founder of MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo emphasized the urgent need for the youth to embrace innovation as it remains the key factor for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
He restated the commitment of the university to collaborate with the organisers of the program and other development partners with a view to promoting international cooperation for economic development.
The program reaffirmed MAAUN’s commitment to advancing education, innovation, and global partnerships that create meaningful change at both local and continental levels.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr said the workshop provides a valuable platform for the participants to share insights, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies that will drive progress and innovation.
He particularly appreciated Hajia Khadija Sanusi Gumbi, the Managing Director of Mecin Consultant Ltd for her visionary leadership in organizing the workshop while appreciating her commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Management staff of MAAUN that attended the workshop were the Vice President Campus Life, Dr. Hamza Garba, and Director Institute of Africa Higher Education Research and Innovation, Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna.
Others were Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Ahmad Ibrahim Maigari, Dean SMS, Dr. Mahmoud Muktar Said, Head Of Human Resource Unit, Haj Maimuna Bello and Head, International Office, Engr Bashir Garba, among others.
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