Zuriel Oduwole is an American education advocate, filmmaker, and youth diplomat known for her unwavering commitment to global education access, gender equality, and peacebuilding.
Zuriel Elise Oduwole is an American education advocate and film maker best known for her works on the advocacy for the education of girls in Africa. Her advocacy has since made her in the summer of 2013 at the age of 10, the youngest person to be profiled by Forbes.
Age
At just 22 years old, she has made significant strides in international diplomacy, influencing policies and engaging with world leaders to drive meaningful change.
Early Life and Background
Born in Los Angeles, California, to Nigerian grandparents, Oduwole developed a passion for advocacy at a young age. At just nine, she witnessed young girls in Accra, Ghana, selling goods instead of attending school. This experience ignited her commitment to education reform, leading her to use documentary filmmaking as a platform to raise awareness about barriers to education.
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Career and Global Advocacy
Oduwole’s career as an advocate and filmmaker has taken her across continents, where she has engaged with over 35 world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to discuss education policies, peace strategies, and gender equality.
At 13 years old, she played a pivotal role in mediating a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations to emphasize the importance of peaceful dialogue. In 2020, she consulted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on global peace strategies amid the Arab blockade of Qatar, which was peacefully resolved in 2021.
Education Advocacy and Leadership
Believing that education is the cornerstone of peace and development, Oduwole has championed innovative strategies to improve school access, particularly for marginalized communities. In 2017, at the age of 14, she met with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to advocate for reward-based education programs in developing nations, focusing on increasing school retention for girls.
In 2013, she founded Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up (DUSUSU), a global initiative aimed at empowering young people, especially girls, to advocate for their education and leadership opportunities. The initiative has impacted thousands across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, providing tools to promote gender parity and youth leadership.
Her influence extends beyond advocacy into policy change. In 2019, her discussions with Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi contributed to the abolition of child marriage in the country, a milestone in the fight for gender equality.
Recognition and Nobel Peace Prize Nomination
Oduwole’s relentless efforts have earned her numerous accolades. In 2022, she received the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award in New York, honoring her decade-long mediation work and advocacy for education.
In 2025, Oduwole received a historic nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing her extensive efforts in mediation, advocacy, and youth empowerment. Her nomination underscores not only her impact but also Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.
Her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize nomination is a testament to her impact on global diplomacy and youth empowerment. Upon receiving news of her nomination, she expressed gratitude, stating:
“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 Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2025 laureate later this year. Whether she wins or not, Oduwole’s nomination highlights the growing influence of youth-led advocacy in shaping global policy and sustainable peace efforts.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Zuriel Oduwole’s journey from a young advocate to a globally recognized diplomat exemplifies the power of youth-driven change. Through storytelling, diplomacy, and grassroots activism, she continues to inspire millions, advocating for an inclusive and equitable world where education is accessible to all.
Her work serves as a powerful reminder that young voices have the potential to drive systemic transformation, breaking barriers and creating a lasting impact on future generations.
Net Worth
Her net worth is not available at the moment.