PIC Successfully Hosts Press Briefing Ahead of the 4th Gender and Inclusion Summit 2025 (GS-25)
Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), the first institutionalised behavioural initiative in Nigeria. an initiative of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), officially held a press briefing to announce the 4th edition of the Gender and Inclusion Summit, tagged GS-25. The summit is scheduled to be held on September 3 and 4, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
Addressing media at the briefing, Executive Director of PIC, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, emphasised the summit's focus on inclusive development, stating, "Our goal is not just to represent voices but to have these voices actively participate and be heard. The theme 'New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society' is a deliberate step towards reflecting deeply on inclusive development, understanding lived experiences, and leveraging innovative solutions, including technology, to address deep-seated socio-economic disparities."
Dr Tayo Aduloju (CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group - NESG), also speaking at the event, reinforced the criticality of inclusive development in socio-economic transformation, highlighting that solutions must come from a deep understanding of the issues faced by marginalised groups. "Inclusion begins with paradigm shifts. Until we truly understand the challenges of marginalised communities; women, youth, and persons with disabilities, we cannot effectively design sustainable solutions. GS-25 is designed to catalyse these shifts and promote collective awareness and actionable commitments."
Representing the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Hawa Lamino-Abubakar stressed the significance of the insights shared during the briefing. She stated, "The experiences and insights shared today, especially concerning women and persons living with disabilities and special needs, are invaluable. We will certainly rely upon these in shaping inclusive, transformative policies to address the root causes of gender inequalities in Nigeria."
Madam Hansatu Adegbite, Chair of the Technical Advisory Committee for GS-25, outlined the summit's objectives, stating, "GS-25 is not just another gathering. It is indeed the largest annual event of its kind in Abuja, and this year we aim to influence the development of impactful policies that will significantly shape Nigeria's future."
The summit will feature over 2,000 participants physically and over 3,000 participants virtually, comprising policymakers, civil society leaders, youth advocates, development agencies, academics, private sector representatives, diplomats, and grassroots organisers. Key sessions will include interactive plenaries, thematic breakout sessions, roundtables, exhibitions, oral and poster presentations, and practical learning workshops.
Central themes will span inclusive governance, economic inclusion, equitable healthcare access, inclusive technology and digital rights, sustainable agriculture, youth empowerment, financial inclusion, the creative economy, and legal reforms.
Since 2022, the Gender and Inclusion Summit has evolved into a key pan-African event, championing gender-transformative policies, inclusive governance practices, and behavioural insights in policymaking. GS-25 promises to consolidate and expand upon this legacy, introducing evidence-based insights and fresh perspectives into critical dialogues.
The event will adopt a hybrid model to ensure robust global participation, underscoring PIC's continued commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable development across Nigeria and the broader African region.
PIC, established with support from the Gates Foundation, remains Africa’s premier institution advocating behavioural insights and inclusive policies, instrumental in influencing governmental and stakeholder decisions towards equitable societal advancement.
