Nigerian Poet Alhanislam Named UN Global Advocate For Peace.
Maryam Bukar Hassan, widely known as Alhanislam, has been appointed as the United Nations Global Advocate for Peace, marking a historic milestone as the first advocate for the UN’s entire Peace and Security Pillar. The announcement, made on Friday, 25 July 2025, by the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, recognises the 28-year-old Nigerian poet and spoken word artist’s profound contributions to peacebuilding through her evocative art and advocacy.
Hailing from Biu in Nigeria’s Borno State, Alhanislam has captivated global audiences with her unique blend of poetry and performance, championing gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive peacebuilding. Her work, deeply rooted in compassion and social justice, has graced prestigious platforms, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards, TED Talks, the World Bank Youth Summit, and the 2024 Summit of the Future. Her poignant poem “Peace Begins With Me,” performed alongside Congolese peacekeeper Pacifique Akilimali to mark the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, has resonated widely, embodying her commitment to hope and reconciliation.
In her new role, Alhanislam will advocate for the UN’s peace and security initiatives, with a particular focus on the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas. Her efforts will include digital campaigns, storytelling, and public events to amplify marginalised voices and promote dialogue in conflict-affected communities. “My responsibility is to speak peace into the bones of this world, into the rubble, into the rage, into the ruins,” she declared, emphasising her mission to foster resilience and humanity through art.
The appointment has drawn widespread praise. UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, highlighted its significance, stating, “The dedication of the Global Advocate’s time and energy will greatly increase awareness of the United Nations’ peace and security priorities, particularly the vital role of women and youth in advancing inclusive and sustainable peace.” Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar also celebrated Alhanislam, calling her a “gifted poet and fierce voice for justice” whose work has uplifted and united communities.
Alhanislam’s artistic journey has earned her accolades such as the Sustainable Africa Award at COP28 and finalist recognition at the 2024 UN SDG Creativity Award. Her 13-track spoken word album *Layers* addresses societal stereotypes faced by Northern Nigerian girls, exploring themes of healing and nationhood. Her performances at the African Union and UN Headquarters have solidified her as a leading voice among African creatives using art for activism.
Her first major appearance as Global Advocate will be at New York City’s Summer Stage festival on Saturday, 2 August 2025, where she will perform alongside other artists. Nigerians have expressed immense pride in her achievement, with sentiments shared on social media platforms reflecting joy and inspiration. One post described her as “Arewa to the world,” celebrating her rise as a global symbol of hope.
As Alhanislam steps into this role, her appointment is seen as a proud moment for Nigeria and young African women. Her poetry, which bridges art and activism, continues to illuminate the power of creative expression in building a more peaceful and inclusive world.
