Zuriel Oduwole, a 22-year-old champion of peace, education, and gender equality, has earned a prestigious nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
This recognition highlights her significant worldwide influence.
Moreover, her nomination reflects ten years of dedicated work in empowering marginalized groups and driving systemic change.
Additionally, Oduwole, raised in Los Angeles with Nigerian heritage, has become a prominent global advocate.
She collaborates with over 35 heads of state, including presidents and prime ministers, to address urgent challenges in education and peacebuilding.
Her efforts have consistently amplified the voices of those often overlooked, making her a beacon of hope and progress on the international stage.
Her work underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in international diplomacy and youth advocacy.
A Young Diplomat with a Global Reach
Oduwole’s journey as a youth diplomat began at an early age. At just 13, she played a pivotal role in mediating a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. Meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations, she emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue in resolving conflicts. Her diplomatic efforts continued in 2020 when she consulted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on strategies for global peace during the Arab blockade of Qatar. The blockade concluded peacefully in 2021, a testament to the effectiveness of her advocacy.
Her dedication to education as a cornerstone of development and stability has been central to her mission. In 2017, at the age of 14, she met with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department to advocate for reward-based education programs in developing nations. Her proposals aimed to improve school retention rates for girls, particularly in underserved communities. This engagement with U.S. leadership further solidified her commitment to education as a driver of peace and opportunity.
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A Decade of Advocacy Recognized
Oduwole’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was awarded the Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award in New York, recognizing her mediation work and advocacy for gender parity over the past decade. One of her notable achievements includes her instrumental role in ending child marriage in Mozambique in 2019 after discussions with President Filipe Nyusi.
Her passion for education advocacy began at the age of nine during a visit to Accra, Ghana. Observing young girls selling goods on the streets instead of attending school, she was inspired to use documentary filmmaking to shed light on educational barriers. This experience led her to establish “Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up” (DUSUSU) in 2013. The initiative empowers youth, particularly girls, to advocate for education and leadership opportunities. DUSUSU has since reached young people across Africa and the Caribbean, equipping them with tools to challenge gender inequality and pursue their aspirations.
A Humble Response to Global Recognition
Upon learning of her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Oduwole expressed humility and surprise. “I have never sought recognition, only to speak up where it’s needed,” she stated. “This honor reflects the urgent need to invest in young voices as agents of change.”
The Nobel Peace Prize, one of the world’s most esteemed honors, celebrates individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to peace and human rights. Past laureates include Nelson Mandela, former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
A Symbol of Youth Advocacy’s Growing Impact
The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2025 laureate later this year. Regardless of the outcome, Oduwole’s nomination underscores the rising influence of youth advocacy in shaping global policy and advancing sustainable peace efforts.
As an education advocate, filmmaker, and youth diplomat, Zuriel Oduwole continues to inspire change through storytelling and diplomacy. Her work not only addresses systemic barriers to education but also fosters a more inclusive and equitable world. Through initiatives like DUSUSU and her engagements with world leaders, Oduwole exemplifies the transformative power of youth leadership on the global stage.
