Zuriel Oduwole, a young advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
At just 22, she has made remarkable contributions to global diplomacy, working to expand educational opportunities for underserved communities and drive positive change.
Her nomination underscores both her dedication and Nigeria’s growing influence on the world stage.
A Global Advocate with Nigerian Roots
Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian grandparents, Oduwole has engaged with over 35 world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to push for policies that support development, education, and peace. She has been a strong voice for systemic reforms that provide lasting benefits to disadvantaged groups.
Her diplomatic journey began early, with a notable role at age 13 in mediating a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. During a meeting at the United Nations with then-President David Granger, she advocated for peaceful negotiations as a resolution strategy. In 2020, she also advised Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on peace strategies amid the Arab blockade of Qatar, which was peacefully resolved the following year.
Education as a Tool for Stability
Oduwole has long championed education as a pathway to progress. At just 14, she met with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to promote ‘reward-based’ education programs aimed at keeping more children, particularly girls, in school. Her advocacy efforts have influenced tangible policy changes, including contributing to the 2019 decision to outlaw child marriage in Mozambique after discussions with President Filipe Nyusi.
In recognition of her efforts in mediation and gender equality, she received the Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award in 2022, further solidifying her global impact.
Inspiring Youth Through Advocacy
Her passion for education advocacy was sparked at the age of nine when she saw young girls in Accra working as street vendors instead of attending school. This inspired her to use documentary filmmaking as a means to highlight educational challenges. In 2013, she founded the Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up (DUSUSU) initiative, which empowers young people—especially girls—to pursue education and leadership opportunities. The initiative has reached youth across Africa and the Caribbean, providing them with the resources to advocate for gender equality.
A Historic Nomination
Her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee was unexpected but reflects the growing recognition of youth-led advocacy in global affairs. Reacting to the news, Oduwole expressed humility, saying, “I have never sought recognition—only to speak up where it’s needed. 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 making significant contributions to peace and human rights. Past recipients include Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Wangari Maathai, and Kofi Annan.
The winner will be announced later this year, with the award ceremony set for December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s passing. Regardless of the outcome, Zuriel Oduwole’s nomination highlights the power of youth-driven advocacy in shaping policies and fostering global peace.
