Global launch 2026 officially declares the ICWAE - COPESA SDGs initiatives 2026 - 2030 in 3 states of Nigeria on April 16th 2026
Roll Out Five-Year SDGs Blueprint Targeting Women, Widows, Children, Vulnerable Groups
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
A major step toward grassroots-driven sustainable development was recorded on April 16, 2026, as the International Caribbean Women Alliance for Empowerment (ICWAE), in collaboration with COPESA Initiatives, officially launched its global advocacy programme across three Nigerian states.
The landmark event, held simultaneously in Nasarawa, Anambra, and Ekiti States, featured advocacy walks and stakeholders’ interactive sessions aimed at promoting the localization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The multi-location programme took place at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Secretariat in Nasarawa State, Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Otuocha, Anambra State, and the grand venue at Ilera Loro Event Hall in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, with virtual participation linking global stakeholders.
At the heart of the event was the unveiling of a comprehensive five-year blueprint (2026–2030) designed to drive actionable development projects targeting mothers, widows, children, and persons living with disabilities.
The initiative is focused on fostering inclusive participation at the household level while advancing gender-based empowerment opportunities.
The global launch was coordinated by Attorney Yveline Dalmacy, President and Founder of ICWAE (USA), who led discussions on SDGs implementation, gender rights, and the importance of grassroots engagement.
She was joined by key international figures including Dr. Jean Paleme Mathurin, Co-Founder of ICWAE, and Dr. Irene Figaro, the organization’s Board Secretary.
The event, anchored by Ambassador Olufemi J.S. Oladejo, attracted over 2,000 participants, including community women, widows, and persons with disabilities, alongside representatives from various non-governmental organizations and government agencies.
Notable stakeholders in attendance included Unity Rise Foundation for Youths and Widows Empowerment, Omo Ekiti Ni Mi Foundation, representatives of the Nasarawa State SDGs Office, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nasarawa Chapter, NYSC officials, and the Ekiti State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives.
The organizers expressed appreciation to Prof. Doreen Z. Yusuf, Canadian Country Representative and Member of the Global Advisory Council for the World Sustainable Development Goals Organizations (WSDGOs), for her contribution as a keynote discussant and guest speaker.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in bridging global development goals with local realities, reinforcing the role of community participation in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa and the Caribbean.
