The Minority Leader of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Hon. Osawe Uwagboe, has commended Dr. Michal Mlynár, the outgoing Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat, for his remarkable commitment to advancing youth inclusion and leadership in urban development across Africa and beyond.

Uwagboe described Dr. Mlynár as “a visionary diplomat who consistently recognised young people as partners in progress, leaders capable of shaping the cities and communities of the future, not just recipients of development outcomes.”

He recalled that during Dr. Mlynár’s tenure at UN-Habitat, significant strides were made in promoting youth-led innovation, sustainable city dialogues, and participatory urban governance frameworks that empowered young people to take active roles in decision-making. “He didn’t just engage with young people; he believed in their competence and gave them a platform to lead meaningful change,” he added.

Highlighting Dr. Mlynár’s achievements, the Minority Leader noted his pivotal role in championing youth inclusion in urban governance through the strengthening of UN-Habitat’s Youth and Urban Development agenda, which created global opportunities for young people to contribute to sustainable city planning.

He also lauded Dr. Mlynár’s leadership in advancing multilateral cooperation, aligning UN-Habitat’s work with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and ensuring that urban initiatives address both social equity and climate resilience.

The Minority Leader further praised Dr. Mlynár’s dedication to bridging the gap between global policy and local impact, noting that his leadership fostered stronger collaboration between governments, civil society, and youth networks. “Through his inclusive vision, many young Africans found inspiration and opportunity to contribute to the global urban agenda,” he said.

As Dr. Mlynár concludes his tenure as Deputy Executive Director after several years of service to UN-Habitat, Hon. Uwagboe emphasised that his legacy will continue to inspire a generation of youth leaders to strengthen partnerships with UN-Habitat and other global institutions.

He added: “Dr. Michal Mlynár leaves behind more than a legacy of service; he leaves behind a culture of trust in youth innovation, partnership, and leadership as vital forces shaping the urban future of Africa and the world.”