ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) has called for stronger action to ensure that policies, innovations and commitments on gender and social inclusion translate into measurable improvements for underserved communities.
The centre made the call ahead of the fifth edition of its Gender and Inclusion Summit (GS26), scheduled to hold from September 7 to 9, 2026, in Abuja.
The summit will be held under the theme, “From Agenda to Action: Making Innovation Count for the Last Mile.” Discussions will focus on how policies and innovative solutions can move beyond commitments and deliver tangible results to people facing the greatest barriers to opportunities and essential services.
Focus on Implementation and Measurable Results
Speaking during a press briefing ahead of the summit, Adekemi Omole, Associate Director, Programmes at the Policy Innovation Centre, said GS26 would build on discussions from the previous four editions while placing greater emphasis on implementation and measurable outcomes.
She said the focus represents a shift from treating inclusion mainly as a policy objective to examining how commitments can be converted into practical results.
Maryam Uwais, a board member of the Policy Innovation Centre, stressed the need for stronger systems, sustainable financing and evidence-based approaches to achieve meaningful progress in gender inclusion.
She also called for effective accountability mechanisms to ensure that policies and interventions reach communities that remain furthest from opportunities.
Moving Solutions From Ideas to Scale
The Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre and Convener of the Gender and Inclusion Summit, Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, said GS26 would examine how ideas and solutions can move from development to wider implementation.
According to her, the summit will focus on inclusive design, evidence and accountability, while encouraging stakeholders to develop practical responses to structural barriers affecting women, young people and persons with disabilities.
“This year’s summit will focus on strengthening the pathways that carry solutions from concept to scale,” Dirisu said.
She added that the ultimate goal is to ensure that innovation delivers practical value to people living in underserved communities.
Stakeholders Call for Greater Collaboration
Dr. Tayo Aduloju, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), called for stronger collaboration among innovators, investors, businesses, philanthropic organisations and government institutions.
He said innovations targeting underserved communities must be designed around the realities of those communities and be capable of operating effectively at the last mile.
The summit is expected to examine the challenges involved in scaling interventions across different communities and populations in Nigeria.
GS26 to Produce Policy and Accountability Recommendations
Dr. Amina Dorayi, Chairperson of the GS26 Technical Advisory Committee, said the success of the summit should not be measured only by what happens during the three-day event.
She highlighted the Purple Book as an important knowledge and accountability product expected to document discussions, lessons and commitments from GS26 and translate them into practical recommendations for stakeholders.
Representing the Ministry of Women Affairs, Hadiza Zubairu Gamawa, Special Adviser to the Minister of Women Affairs, said previous editions of the summit had contributed to broader discussions on gender and social inclusion.
She also expressed interest in the potential contribution of GS26 to conversations around Nigeria’s next National Gender Policy.
About the Gender and Inclusion Summit
The Gender and Inclusion Summit was launched in 2022 by the Policy Innovation Centre as a platform for bringing together government representatives, businesses, development organisations, academics, civil society groups and communities.
Since its establishment, the summit has focused on gender equality, social inclusion, evidence-based policymaking, innovation and systems change.
The 2026 edition will continue these discussions while placing greater emphasis on ensuring that policies and innovations deliver measurable outcomes for communities that remain underserved.
Jija Bokoti Media | International News and Magazine
