The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) recently hosted Felipe Paullier, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, in a high-level engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration on youth development and national resilience.
The visit created a valuable platform for mutual learning and knowledge exchange. Both parties explored ways to align national initiatives with global best practices in youth engagement and empowerment.
Bridging National Experience with Global Expertise
During the meeting, discussions focused on leveraging the operational experience of the National Counter Terrorism Centre while drawing from the global expertise of the United Nations.
NCTC shared insights from its programmes, particularly those aimed at preventing violent extremism through youth affairs. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing root causes such as unemployment, social exclusion, and limited access to opportunities.
In turn, the United Nations delegation provided perspectives on global frameworks and strategies that support youth inclusion, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
This exchange of ideas will help adapt international best practices to Nigeria’s unique context.
Youth Development as a Security Priority
Both sides emphasized that youth development plays a critical role in national security. Empowered and engaged young people contribute to stability, innovation, and long-term growth.
Therefore, integrating youth-focused strategies into national programmes remains essential.
The engagement also highlighted the need for policies that promote education, skills development, and economic opportunities for young people.
Such initiatives can reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen community resilience.
Strengthening Partnerships for Impact
The visit reinforced the importance of partnerships between national institutions and international organizations.
Collaboration with the United Nations enables access to global knowledge, technical expertise, and policy support.
At the same time, NCTC’s local experience ensures that programmes remain relevant and effective within the national context.
This partnership approach allows both sides to design solutions that address real challenges while aligning with international standards.
Looking Ahead
The engagement between the National Counter Terrorism Centre and Felipe Paullier marks an important step toward strengthening youth-focused initiatives in Nigeria.
Moving forward, both parties are expected to explore deeper collaboration in areas such as youth empowerment, community engagement, and peacebuilding.
Ultimately, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to harnessing the potential of young people as drivers of national development and global progress.
