"Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of understanding." — Maryam Bukar HassanWhen Nigerian poet Maryam Bukar Hassan (Alhanislam) was named the United Nations’ first Global Advocate for Peace, the world witnessed a landmark moment. Her journey from conflict-torn Borno to the global stage is not just her story—it is Nigeria’s story, Africa’s story, and the story of what becomes possible when art and resilience meet purpose.
From her childhood in Borno to the UN stage, Maryam’s journey shows how art, storytelling, and courage can shape the future of peacebuilding. At 16Stories, we see her appointment as a powerful confirmation that stories are not simply reflections of reality, but blueprints for change.
A Nigerian Voice for Global Peace
When the United Nations announced Maryam Bukar Hassan as its first-ever Global Advocate for Peace, it was more than just a personal achievement—it was history in the making. For the first time, a Nigerian poet and spoken word artist has been entrusted with a global mandate to champion peace across nations. Known widely as Alhanislam, Maryam represents the fusion of culture, art, and advocacy at the highest level of international diplomacy.
Her appointment is deeply symbolic. Nigeria, a country that has faced the challenges of insurgency, division, and conflict, now sees one of its daughters standing as a global voice for reconciliation and hope. It is a reminder that leadership does not only emerge from political spaces but also from creative voices who dare to imagine a better world. For us at 16Stories, her recognition is proof that the world is ready to embrace African storytellers—not just as entertainers, but as visionaries for peace.
Turning Art Into Action
Maryam’s artistry has always been more than performance—it is transformation. Her poetry carries the weight of lived experience yet delivers hope, empathy, and clarity in moments where words are often hard to find.
At her UN debut during New York’s SummerStage Festival, she performed “Peace is a Verb,” a stirring reminder that peace is not passive. It is an ongoing action—something practiced in communities, written into policies, and lived out in human relationships.
This is why her voice matters: art has the power to move where politics cannot. It bypasses resistance and speaks directly to the heart. Her appointment validates what so many African creators have always known—that music, poetry, and storytelling are not “extras” in peacebuilding; they are essential. They create the emotional shift that makes real change possible.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Maryam’s story is one of resilience and possibility. Born in Borno State, her childhood was shaped by conflict and the disruptions of Boko Haram’s insurgency. She has spoken openly about experiencing war at the age of four—an experience no child should ever have to recall. Yet from those beginnings, she has risen to global recognition, using her pain as fuel for purpose.
Through her initiative Through My Voice, she has trained thousands of young Africans in storytelling, digital advocacy, and leadership. She believes that when young people learn to share their truths, they unlock not only their personal power but also their community’s potential for peace.
This is why her appointment matters beyond her personal journey—it sets a precedent for a generation of African youth to see themselves not as bystanders, but as active participants in shaping a peaceful future.
At 16Stories, this resonates deeply. We too believe that empowering young voices is the most sustainable way to change systems. Maryam is living proof of this belief in action.
Why We at 16Stories Are Encouraged
At 16Stories, our mission has always been rooted in the conviction that stories can move societies toward justice, empathy, and transformation. Maryam Bukar Hassan’s appointment as the UN’s first Global Advocate for Peace is not just a win for her or for Nigeria—it is a collective victory for all who believe in the power of narrative.
Her rise affirms what drives our work every day: that storytelling is not merely about reflecting the world, but about reimagining it. Just as Maryam’s words carry the weight of healing and action, our stories seek to challenge norms, inspire action, and mobilize communities toward lasting change.
We celebrate this moment not only because it uplifts a Nigerian voice on the global stage but also because it reminds us that peace is possible when voices are heard, when stories are shared, and when communities choose to act together.
This milestone fuels our own commitment at 16Stories—to keep spotlighting the voices that matter, the stories that need telling, and the change that is possible when narratives shift.
Closing Reflection
Maryam Bukar Hassan’s journey is not only a personal triumph—it is a beacon for Africa and the world. She embodies what happens when art is used not just to entertain but to heal, inspire, and transform.
At 16Stories, we take her achievement as a call to keep doing what we do best and tell stories that shift perspectives, spark conversations, and build bridges toward peace. Because, as Maryam reminds us, peace is not a silence we impose—it is an action we all must take..
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Photo credit: UN Photo/UN Peacekeeping