Renowned Nigerian poet and spoken word artist Maryam Hassan, popularly known as Alhanislam, has been appointed as a United Nations Global Advocate for Peace. The appointment marks a major milestone in her career and highlights the growing recognition of the role of art and culture in global peacebuilding efforts.

Known for her powerful performances that weave themes of identity, faith, and social justice, Alhanislam has gained both national and international acclaim for using poetry as a tool for advocacy and healing. Her appointment by the UN underscores her influence beyond the stage, as she now joins a select group of global figures tasked with promoting dialogue, tolerance, and conflict resolution.

Reacting to the announcement, Alhanislam expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her voice for positive change. “Peace begins with words — and I am honoured to be entrusted with this responsibility,” she said. Her new role will see her participating in high-level UN forums, leading community engagement initiatives, and amplifying youth-led peace movements across the world.