DoTheDream YDI Names Dr. Omopeju Afanu to Chair CSW70 Energy Justice High-Level Side Event at the UN
DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative (DoTheDream YDI), a Nigerian-founded youth development organisation with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has appointed Dr. Omopeju Afanu as Chairperson of the Planning Committee for its High-Level Side Event at the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
The side event, titled “Catalyzing Energy Justice: Energizing Communities Through Girls and Women and Sport,” will be hosted during CSW 70 in New York and is expected to elevate African-led perspectives on gender equality, energy access, and youth development within global policy and investment conversations.
Positioned as a high-leverage platform for delivery, the CSW70 engagement is designed to mobilize USD 20 million in catalytic capital to accelerate DoTheDream YDI’s Girls in Energy initiative—an integrated ecosystem that equips girls and young women with the skills, leadership capacity, and market-facing opportunities required to participate meaningfully in Africa’s clean energy transition. This funding is intended to unlock follow-on investment, strengthen implementation readiness, and convert policy alignment into tangible, community-level outcomes.
Across the continent, millions of households and small businesses continue to operate without reliable electricity—constraining productivity, weakening service delivery, and slowing economic growth—with women and girls disproportionately bearing the burden. By restoring power reliability, communities can extend learning hours, keep clinics functional, enable digital connectivity, and expand women-led enterprise activity. DoTheDream YDI’s programme addresses this gap by linking education, innovation, and employment pathways to community-scale renewable energy deployment—ensuring that energy access translates directly into measurable development acceleration.
A cornerstone of this approach is a 10MW solar mini-grid ambition, designed to expand access to clean, dependable power for households and small businesses, while creating green jobs for young people across installation, operations, maintenance, and local entrepreneurship. The catalytic funding will be deployed to de-risk early-stage delivery—supporting project preparation, community engagement, skills training, and implementation partnerships—so that mini-grids can scale faster and attract additional public and private co-financing. The initiative also integrates sport-for-development as a community mobilization and leadership engine, widening participation, strengthening safeguarding and social inclusion, and accelerating girls’ and young women’s skills development and visibility within the energy transition.
The CSW70 side event is expected to convene representatives from UN agencies, Permanent Missions, development organisations, private sector leaders, clean energy investors, civil society organisations, and sport-for-development and climate advocates. By integrating sport as a tool for leadership and social inclusion, the platform aims to expand participation and visibility for girls and women traditionally excluded from energy and technology sectors, while creating a space for dialogue and partnership aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Afanu brings a strong record of multi-sector leadership and inclusive development expertise to her role. As Chairperson of the Planning Committee, she will oversee strategic coordination, stakeholder engagement, and programme design to ensure the event delivers concrete outcomes aligned with the Global South’s development priorities and the 2030 Agenda.
Founder of DoTheDream YDI, Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa, described the appointment as a critical milestone, noting the growing influence of civil society and diaspora-led organisations in global development.
“This initiative is about shifting the narrative from access alone to leadership and ownership,” he said. “Dr. Afanu’s leadership will help ensure girls and women in the global south are not just beneficiaries of energy solutions, but drivers of sustainable community transformation.”
The CSW70 platform is expected to strengthen Global South collaboration, unlock new financing pathways, and reinforce Africa’s role in shaping an inclusive global energy future.
Media & Partnership Enquiries:
Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa | Founder & Executive Director
ceo@dothedreamydi.org | +234 803 951 3286
www.dothedreamydi.org
About DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative (DoTheDream YDI)
DoTheDream YDI is a youth-focused development organization advancing inclusive opportunity through initiatives that strengthen education, skills, leadership, and community development. As a CoNGO Board Member with UN consultative status, DoTheDream YDI supports platforms that connect policy, partnerships, and practical solutions aligned to global development priorities.
United States Assumes Presidency of the Group of 20
Effective today, December 1, 2025, the United States has assumed the 2026 Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20). Under President Trump’s leadership, we will return the G20 to focusing on its core mission of driving economic growth and prosperity to produce results.
As we usher in these much-needed reforms, we will prioritize three core themes: unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens, unlocking affordable and secure energy supply chains, and pioneering new technologies and innovations.
We look forward to hosting the G20 Leaders’ Summit in one of America’s greatest cities, Miami, Florida, during the 250th anniversary year of the United States.
TruMerit’s Peter Preziosi Elected President of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations
(NEW YORK, October 30, 2025) – TruMerit President and CEO Peter Preziosi has been elected President of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations, also known as CoNGO.
CoNGO is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1948 that relates to the United Nations through its General Consultative Status granted by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It has 525 member organizations from around the world and 106 associate members.
DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative Elected to the Board of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO)
New York, NY — October 29, 2025: DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative (DoTheDream YDI) is proud to announce its election to the Board of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO) — a distinguished global organization with a 77-year legacy of fostering collaboration between civil society and the United Nations system.
The election took place on October 29, 2025, at the Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN) Auditorium, United Nations Plaza, New York, where representatives of Co NGOs from across the world convened to shape the future of global civic engagement.
This milestone reflects DoTheDream YDI’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment, education, gender inclusion,energy and sustainable development. As a newly elected member of CoNGO’s Board, DoTheDream YDI is poised to strengthen the voices of young people and civil society organizations in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Being elected to serve on the CoNGO Board is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa, Founder and Executive Director of DoTheDream YDI. “This recognition reflects the collective impact of local actions for global progress, youth development, and the incredible people we work with around the world. It reaffirms our shared vision for an inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world.”
Founded in 2005, DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative has consistently empowered young people to find their voices and use them for social good. The organization has worked tirelessly to equip youth with the skills, confidence, and platforms to lead transformative change across Africa and beyond. Its flagship programs — spanning leadership development, entrepreneurship, Girls Are Asset project,education,Leadership Library and the Girls in Energy initiative — continue to inspire global partnerships and drive community-centered innovation.
Established in 1948, CoNGO serves as a vital interface between the United Nations and the worldwide NGO community, promoting human rights, peace, and sustainable development through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration.
DoTheDream YDI’s election to the CoNGO Board marks a new chapter in advancing the sustainable development ,amplifying youth voices within international decision-making spaces, while building stronger, more inclusive partnerships for a just and equitable world.
For Media Inquiries:
Email: info@dothedreamydi.org, admin@dothedreamydi.org, partnership@dothedreamydi.org,
Contact: +234 803 951 3286
The 21st UNIDO General Conference (GC21) – Global Industry Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The 21st UNIDO General Conference (GC21) – Global Industry Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Nov 23-27, 2025) concluded triumphantly with the landmark Riyadh Declaration, committing to sustainable, inclusive industrial development through global partnerships, innovation, and technology.
The Key highlights included:Designation of April 21 as International Women in Industry Day, emphasizing women’s leadership and equitable policies across sectors.
Focus on youth: empowerment, investments, and Global South priorities like skills access, digital transformation, and greener economies.
High-level participation from 173 countries, 20 ministers, and 35 CEOs driving SDG acceleration.
DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative Strategic Gains includes leveraging GC21 to forge critical connections for our Girls in Energy Project – a $21M intervention fund unveiling at CSW70 (March 2026, UN HQ New York).
Networking with leaders from Women in Mining, Quantum Systens,GSMA, and Saudi Vision 2030 champions aligned our STEM training, mini-grid hubs, and leadership programs with global industrial agendas.
These partnerships will scale impact for 15,000+ girls in the Global South, bridging gender gaps in energy STEM.
We are Grateful for Saudi Arabia’s visionary hosting! Let’s collaborate to power the next generation.
Appeeciation to Ola Oluyinka Vice President International Affairs , Nidhi Gupta for keen sight DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative team for standing tall to the cause.
GIRLS IN ENERGY. POWERING PROGRESS THROUGH COLLABORATION
On April 15, 2025, the Girls in Energy Project, hosted by DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative, brought together visionary leaders from across the United States, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. Under the theme “Powering Progress,” the virtual event focused on democratizing energy opportunities through cross-country collaboration—an inspiring call for global engagement in energy transformation and gender inclusion.
A Global Dialogue on Energy Access and Gender Inclusion
The session, moderated by Development Consultant Olasubomi Sofowora, founder of the Women Impact Network, featured presentations from energy experts across diverse cultural and national backgrounds. Discussions centered on the critical need for accessible, sustainable energy in sub-Saharan Africa, and the vital role women and girls must play in driving innovation in the sector.
The host, Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa, set the tone with a passionate introduction to the Girls in Energy project—described as a “living movement.” He outlined three core reasons why this initiative is urgently needed in the Global South:
Tackling Energy Poverty – Millions still lack access to reliable electricity; girls are essential to building inclusive, lasting solutions.
Climate Resilience – Women are pivotal in leading the transition to sustainable energy systems
Economic Growth – Closing the gender gap in energy drives innovation and national development.
Dr. Renuka Thakore delivered a powerful message titled “The Great Future”, presenting Girls in Energy as a catalyst for change—enabling electricity access for all, with women and girls leading the charge. She highlighted examples from countries like Nigeria and Rwanda,emphasizing the need to bridge global policies and grassroots action in achieving SDGs and NDCs.
Dr. Thakore also shared the story of the Solar Sister initiative—beginning with a woman’s solar-
powered chicken coop in Uganda and expanding into a network of clean energy entrepreneurs. She underlined how energy access can open doors to safer, healthier lives and foster a generation of empowered female leaders.
Lady B Bless, founder of the African Caribbean Energy Network, gave an impassioned presentation on Cross-Country Collaboration for Sustainability. She highlighted the power of cultural and international cooperation in transforming energy access across the Global South. Her message was clear: women’s voices must be central in energy discourse and decision-making.
Dr Thakores nitiative has already empowered over 10,000 girls, building awareness around energy, teaching technical skills, and establishing mentorship networks with women leaders in the sector. These efforts aim to nurture girls as community leaders who can develop and manage renewable energy solutions for local impact.
Speakers emphasized the urgent need to break gender stereotypes and invest in STEM education and vocational training for girls. Examples of successful, women-led solar projects were showcased, along with plans to scale these initiatives through broader collaboration with policymakers, educators, and the private sector.
Dr. Thakore and Lady B Bless both stressed that energy is a foundation for development—impacting education, healthcare, and economic growth. Women, who often manage household and community energy use, must be involved in shaping energy solutions.
The conversation closed with a powerful call to action for men in leadership to become active allies in gender equity efforts. Both Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa and Ola Oluyinka emphasized the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and intentional support in creating inclusive environments for women in the energy space with Ola Oluyinka requesting for each one to turn on the switch.
Adebusuyi also recognized Dr. Rafiu,Olaore,the World Bank Group’s West and Central Africa Civil Society Coordinator, for attending and supporting the movement with collaboration opportunities
The Girls in Energy Project stands as a beacon of hope and a blueprint for what is possible when young girls are inspired, educated, and empowered to lead the future of energy in the Global South and beyond.
UNITED NATIONS, November 21 (C-Fam) The U.S. won a key vote against child pornography and pedophilia in the General Assembly’s Third Committee today.
Sixty-eight nations sided with the
OPENING CEREMONY GIRLS IN ENERGY
#GirlsinEnergy aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in the energy sector through dynamic combination of conferences, competitions, career mentorship, and camps, #GirlsinEnergy seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, particularly in energy-related industries was declare open by the Initiator Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa
The event featured a dynamic career session with distinguished international speakers, including Rehana Mohamed EdD Lady B Bless , and Dr. Oladunni Owo , who shared their personal experiences and motivated the young participants to follow their aspirations in energy.
Mrs. Arogbodo, Principal of Ayedeere Ajibola Senior High School, warmly welcomed attendees and underscored the project’s potential to empower young women and pave the way for their success in the energy industry. Miss Otayomi Esther, Tutor in Charge, encouraged students to maximize the benefits of the initial 300 hours of the program.
Rehana Mohamed EdD delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting the critical role of the energy sector and the transformative impact of the Girls in Energy project. She emphasized the program’s mentorship opportunities, career workshops, and site visits to leading energy companies, all aimed at equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for thriving careers in energy.
#GirlsinEnergy aimed at inspiring, educating, and empowering young girls to pursue careers in the energy sector through dynamic combination of conferences, competitions, career mentorship, and camps, #GirlsinEnergy seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, particularly in energy-related industries was declare open by the Initiator Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa
The event featured a dynamic career session with distinguished international speakers, including Rehana Mohamed EdD Lady B Bless , and Dr. Oladunni Owo , who shared their personal experiences and motivated the young participants to follow their aspirations in energy.
Mrs. Arogbodo, Principal of Ayedeere Ajibola Senior High School, warmly welcomed attendees and underscored the project’s potential to empower young women and pave the way for their success in the energy industry. Miss Otayomi Esther, Tutor in Charge, encouraged students to maximize the benefits of the initial 300 hours of the program.
Rehana Mohamed EdD delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting the critical role of the energy sector and the transformative impact of the Girls in Energy project. She emphasized the program’s mentorship opportunities, career workshops, and site visits to leading energy companies, all aimed at equipping participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for thriving careers in energy.
Lady B Bless, co-founder and co-chair of the African & Caribbean Energy Network (ACEN) , spoke passionately about the importance of educating girls in energy as a pathway to women’s empowerment and sustainable development. Sharing her personal journey in the energy industry and her advocacy for gender equality in leadership, Lady B Bless expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming cohort and pledged her ongoing support to the participants.
Dr. Oladunni Owo further motivated the students by emphasizing the importance of career guidance and personal ambition in shaping their professional journeys.As the founder, Women in Energy, Oil & Gas (WEOG) delivered a compelling message on the urgency of closing the gender gap in the energy sector. She noted that 70% of energy solutions directly address national challenges and encouraged young girls to envision the world without energy to appreciate its critical importance. She shared inspiring examples of youth-led innovations in energy. She concluded with a call to action to “bring energy into the classroom” and introduced the empowering slogan:
“Energy Girls Closing Energy Gaps, Energy Girls Moving Nigeria Forward.”
Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) International Energy Agency (IEA) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) African Bank Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Damilola Ogunbiyi Foluke Michael Damilola Olaniyi Anita Otubu Tunbosun Afolayan, SCMP®,CNN SDG7 Youth Constituency Simon Gosling
Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa , the Founder of DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative represents Federal Republic of Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly session on Government of the Republic of Zambia and PEI host Jobs for the Poor at Scale high-level event during UNGA80
On Friday, September 26, on the sidelines of the 2025 UN General Assembly, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) and the Partnership for Economic Inclusion co-hosted the high-level event Jobs for the Poor at Scale: Country Leadership and Partnership in Action. The event highlighted progress under the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods (SWL) program, part of the Girl’s Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) Project. Strong evidence of the SWL program’s impact—including a 30 percent reduction in extreme poverty—has driven its scale-up to more than 145,000 women, with plans for a national rollout reaching 200,000 women.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Iffath Sharif (Global Director for Social Protection and Labor, World Bank) and Mainga Kabika (Permanent Secretary for Gender Division, GRZ), with opening and closing remarks from His Excellency Chola Milambo (Permanent Representative of Zambia to the UN). A panel featuring Barnabas Musonda (SWL Project Manager, GRZ), Loli Arribas-Banos (Practice Manager, World Bank), and Doris King (Program Director, Co-Impact) shared lessons on scaling economic inclusion programs, while Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration Prudence Kaoma confirmed the Ministry of Finance and National Planning’s strong support for the GEWEL project. The event drew wide participation from governments, donors, and NGOs, and received national media coverage in Zambia, underscoring Zambia’s leadership in advancing inclusive jobs and fostering partnerships for future investment
