OLASUBOMI’S APPOINTMENTS AND IMPACTS AT THE UNITED NATIONS
Olasubomi’s work to promote United Nations objectives has been instrumental in shaping global agendas and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
When the UN was about to commence the planning of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, Kenya – the first in Africa. Olasubomi Iginla Aina was one of the 8 Globally Appointed Civil Society leaders identified as the United Nations NGO Taskforce Committee for the planning of the 2024 UN Civil Society Nairobi Conference. https://www.instagram.com/ainasubomiii/p/C74eESeqCjv/
Out of the 8 selected, she was the only British Nigerian Appointed to the Taskforce. 2024UNCSC | United Nations
Olasubomi and 7 other Taskforce members kick-start the planning of the UN Conference. They selected the 2 Conference Co-chairs, over 27 Sub-committee Co-chairs, and well over 100 Sub-committee members out of the thousands of global submissions made. Her appointment was based on excellence, dedication, ability to make a global impact, and track record of success.
Aside from the Taskforce. Olasubomi was also Appointed to lead the Outreach Committee (Youth) as a Co-chair.
https://www.un.org/en/articles-by-property-local-category/214901/16931?page=1
https://www.un.org/en/civil-society/2024-uncsc-planning-sub-committee-co-chairs
Olasubomi Iginla Aina MBE the Co-chair for Outreach Committee United Nations Nairobi Conference meets Queen Mother Dr Delois Blakely and Guy Ryder the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Policy During the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi May 2024.
AS CO-CHAIR OF THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Olasubomi’s initiative to recruit Conference Champions was also a big success. With the support of her dedicated team, she was able to recruit CELEBRITIES and notable INFLUENCERS to assist with global awareness for the 2024 UN Nairobi Conference, within 3 weeks, she got 27 NOTABLE CELEBRITIES and INFLUENCERS from 25 countries she engaged with. Her innovative approach to outreach working with CELEBRITIES successfully helped to raise massive awareness for the UN Nairobi Conference. A unique concept that added value to the entire conference. This demonstrates Olasubomi’s strategic thinking and commitment to engaging diverse audiences.
This was acknowledged in a recommendation letter by: Troy G. Wolfe. United Nations Foundation (UNA-USA) Senior Director, Partnerships & Special Initiatives
“Indeed, Olasubomi brought her keen sense of creativity and expertise to bear on the activities of the Outreach Sub-Committee; her invaluable contributions as Co-chair of the Committee, together with other Sub-Committees, produced the “ImPact for the Future” Outcome Package:
https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/2024uncsc_impact_for_the_future_outcome_package.pdf
The Outreach Committee which Olasubomi Co-chaired also used Global Action Mosaic as an engagement tool before, during, and after the UN Civil Society conference, as well as in preparation for the upcoming Summit of the Future later in September 2024. The Global Action Mosaic was used to engage citizens globally and showcase what they are doing to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As the only online platform that uses crowdsourcing and artificial intelligence to map the SDGs, the Global Action Mosaic initiative has made significant strides towards providing relevant data on the SDGs and showcasing what the civil societies that engaged with it are doing to make them our reality by 2030. With this initiative,
over 300 projects were mapped on the Global Action Mosaic, providing a glimpse of the strength of civil society as they mobilize for the SDGs.
By leveraging technology creatively, the Global Action Mosaic has harnessed the collective intelligence of a global community, enabling diverse and inclusive participation in solving complex sustainable development challenges. This approach not only democratizes problem-solving but also ensures that solutions are practical, scalable, and tailored to local contexts. Providing data-driven insights is crucial in highlighting the work being done around the SDGs. For example, from over 300 projects mapped on the Global Action Mosaic for the UN Civil Society Conference, over 70% came from the global south with 52% of the projects being women-led. These points provide key data about the geographic and gender entrepreneurs taking action and can be used to increase public awareness and empower women and marginalized groups as their voices are part of the solutions and efforts driving the SDGs.
Data collected by the Outreach committee is very useful and this is a great success on its own.
OVERALL UN CONFERENCE OUTCOME
The overall outcome of the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi was a big success with 2158 civil society representatives, 317 officials from Member States, International Organisations, and the UN system, 67 media representatives, and 47 volunteers, from 115 countries, with hundreds more online. They engaged in 62 off-site and online events, 38 on-site workshops on day one, more than 20 ImPact Coalitions on day two, put out 64 exhibits, engaged in media moments and creative partnership building at the inter-generational hub, and 4 plenary sessions, each filling the space to capacity.
The Nairobi Conference was indeed a great success. As this brought a huge blessing to Civil society Organisations in Kenya. Kenyan government demonstrated support for the UN Nairobi Conference and this led to the declaration of the Private Benefit Organisation (PBO) – This act will promote the partnership between the government and the civil society organisations in Kenya. The operationalisation of the PBO Act has been on hold since 2012. However, the President of Kenya announced to us at the closing ceremony of the UN Nairobi Conference that the PBO has been declared operational. This is a huge victory.
https://aln.africa/insight/significant-changes-for-not-for-profits-as-pbo-act-comes-into-effect-after-11-years/
https://eaclj.com/legislation/286-the-public-benefit-organisation-pbo-act-operationalised.html
Olasubomi engaged influential collaborators to enhance the conference’s impact. Her ability to attract notable figures to support her initiatives has been a key factor in her success.
Her work with the UN has not only elevated her profile as a global advocate but has also created opportunities for collaboration and partnership among various stakeholders. Olasubomi’s dedication to humanitarian causes and her ability to navigate complex international frameworks have made her a respected figure within the UN and International community.
Her remarkable impact at the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference Kenya was acknowledged by:
Hawa Diallo – Chief, Civil Society Unit, UN Department of Global Communications.
“Olasubomi Iginla Aina MBE is not just a leader but a transformative force. Her visionary leadership, dedication, and humanitarian spirit make her an invaluable asset. I wholeheartedly endorse her continued endeavors and am confident in her ability to effect positive change.”