Maryam Bukar Hassan, celebrated Nigerian spoken word artist and poet, has been designated a Global Advocate for Peace by the United Nations. Announced this month, the role positions Bukar as a leading voice for peacebuilding and advocacy on an international stage.
Bukar, a dynamic influencer and peace advocate, has long used her powerful blend of art and activism to champion critical causes.
Born in northern Nigeria, her work notably bridges the realms of art, feminism, and social change, with a keen focus on women’s rights, youth empowerment, and fostering peace in communities ravaged by violence and displacement.
Her compelling poetry has resonated with audiences worldwide, gracing global stages from Rome to Kampala and even the hallowed halls of the UN Headquarters in New York. Through her verses, Bukar illuminates the resilience of women and youth enduring conflict, underscoring the transformative power of creative expression to inspire tangible change.
Beyond her performances, Bukar’s advocacy extends to collaborative efforts with youth networks, grassroots organizations, and international forums. As the first Global Advocate for Peace for the UN Peace and Security Pillar, she will be instrumental in raising awareness for the vital Women, Peace and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas. Her role, jointly administered by the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), will see her amplifying marginalized voices and promoting the leadership of women and young people in the pursuit of sustainable global peace.
•Featured image: https://www.un.org
