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...Healing the world and amplifying voices through poetry.
Where it all Began...
Maryam Bukar Hassan, known as Alhanislam is an indigene of Borno state, a citizen of Nigeria. A daughter of Africa, born on the 25th of December 1996 in Kaduna State, is a renowned poet and an exponent of the spoken word, gender advocate, wellness enthusiast, soccer lover and the new voice of young emerging Africans; she has a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology (BSc.) from the Radford university college Accra Ghana. Maryam is an inspiring leader, a social media influencer, and a brand advocate. Through her platforms, she provides visibility for brands and promotes their essence to the hundreds of thousands of her followers - the demography of the followers is spread across Nigeria - particularly young women from Northern Nigeria who are challenging the status quo and seeking better representation.
Maryam Bukar Hassan Named United Nations Global Advocate for Peace
The United Nations has officially designated Maryam Bukar Hassan, acclaimed Nigerian spoken word artist and poet, as the Global Advocate for Peace. This historic appointment marks her as the first advocate for the entire UN Peace and Security Pillar, recognizing her extraordinary ability to fuse art and activism to drive change.
Through her evocative poetry and powerful stage presence, Maryam – also known as Alhanislam – has inspired audiences around the world. Her work champions gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive peacebuilding, turning spoken word into a tool for social transformation.
From her performances at TED Talks, the World Bank Youth Summit, and the UN SDG Awards, to her collaborations on landmark campaigns like Peace Begins With Me and the Summit of the Future, Maryam continues to use her voice to amplify hope and unity.
A Poet
Maryam is a renowned poet and a performance spoken word artiste, with a unique style that blends the power of words with the raw energy of performance. Alhanislam has captivated audiences across the globe. Her work is characterized by its emotional depth, rhythmic prowess, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
AlhanIslam's words are a beacon of hope and inspiration to many, providing a powerful voice for marginalized communities and illuminating the issues that matter most. With a growing fanbase and numerous accolades to her name, AlhanIslam is a true exponent of the spoken word and a leading light in the world of poetry.
An Advocate
Alhanislam is a passionate advocate for peace, social justice, and the dignity of every human being. As the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate for Peace, she uses her voice, lived experiences, and storytelling to connect people, spark conversations, and bring attention to issues that are too often overlooked.
Her advocacy goes beyond titles. It is deeply rooted in her belief that people deserve to be heard, communities deserve to be seen, and young people should have the opportunity to shape the world they want to live in. Through her work with communities and young people, she continues to use storytelling, dialogue, and collective action to inspire change and build bridges across differences.
For Alhanislam, peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is about creating societies where people feel valued, where differences are met with understanding, and where every person has the chance to live with dignity and hope. Through her growing global platform, she continues to turn words into action and use her voice in service of a more peaceful and just world.
Words That Move Mountains
What people are saying about Alhanislam
Alhanislam Lends Her Talents to Promote Peace
Across identities and differences… over countries and continents… it is not hard to choose peace.” These lines are from a new poem created to mark the 75th anniversary of UN peacekeeping operations.
Maryam feels equally inspired by the strength of the people in Borno state which has been an epicenter of violent extremism and terrorism in Nigeria and across the Sahel region over more than a decade.
Armed conflict, incited by groups like the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province, has led to the displacement of an estimated 2 million people today, many of them women and children, who are still unable to return home because of unpredictable attacks against civilians.
Borno is widely reported to be an area affected by conflict, violence and insurgency,” says Maryam. “What is also true is that there is so much more to us than this singular narrative.
TRUE MY VOICE
Campaign Co-ordinator for Change.org in Nigeria
Change.org is a global platform that empowers people to create positive change in their communities and around the world. Founded in 2007, the organization has grown to become the world's largest online petition platform, with over 400 million users in 196 countries. Change.org's mission is to provide a platform for individuals and organizations to start campaigns that raise awareness of critical issues and create meaningful social and political change. The platform has been used to successfully campaign for a wide range of issues, from racial justice and environmental protection to animal welfare and the rights of marginalized demographics. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to transparency, Change.org is an essential tool for anyone looking to make their voice heard and create a more just and equitable world.
Resilient Voices: From Poetry to Peace
Maryam Bukar Hassan, hailing from Nigeria's culturally rich and diverse Borno State, has emerged as a powerful voice for peace and unity. Her poignant and evocative poem, titled "Peace begins with me," serves as a testament to her commitment to promoting peace on both the local and global stages. Collaborating with Congolese Peacekeeper Pacifique Akilimali, this dynamic duo has crafted a work of art that carries a profound message of hope and reconciliation, released in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping.
An Author
Alhanislam is the author of A Poet’s Attempt to Freeze Time, a deeply personal collection that explores memory, love, loss, identity, longing, and the fleeting moments that make us human.
In the book, she invites readers to slow down and sit with the moments we often rush past the words left unsaid, the people we carry with us, the memories that refuse to fade, and the emotions that shape who we become. Through poetry, she captures fragments of life and holds them still, even if only for a moment.
A Poet’s Attempt to Freeze Time is more than a collection of poems; it is an invitation to feel, remember, and see beauty in the ordinary. With her signature tenderness and honesty, Alhanislam reminds us that while time will always move forward, words have a way of keeping a moment alive.
Alhanislam at the UN-SDG Awards in Rome
In this inspiring video, Alhanislam performs at the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) Action Awards held in Rome, where she’s honored as a finalist. Her passionate performance embodies her dedication to the global SDG mission, using her voice to uplift and inspire change. The audience witnesses her commitment to unity and positive social impact, marking her as a notable advocate within the international community.
A Podcast Host
Alhanislam is the host of What Makes You Human, a podcast that explores the stories, experiences, questions, and emotions that shape us as people.Through thoughtful conversations with guests from different walks of life, she creates a space where people can move beyond titles, achievements, and public identities and simply be human. The podcast explores the things we often carry quietly, our fears, hopes, struggles, choices, relationships, and the moments that change us.
With her natural curiosity and warmth, Alhanislam asks the questions that invite people to open up, reflect, and share the parts of their journeys that may otherwise remain untold. What Makes You Human is ultimately a celebration of our shared humanity and the stories that remind us that, beneath our differences, there is so much that connects us.
JOURNEY ALONG WITH ALHANISLAM
Alhanislam at COP28 in the UAE
At the Reaching the Last Mile Forum @rlmglobalhealth at @cop28uaeofficial , under the patronage of HRH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (@mohamedbinzayed President of the UAE), my message was quite clear ; 50 countries have been able to get rid of NTD's (neglected tropical diseases) but we still have 50 more to go.And the only way to get there is : "To declare continuity and commitment as allies and while we deliberate on building the things that will outlive us, let us not neglect the things that will help us live. Most importantly this is the last mile but not the end, and so "Let the last mile become the first step towards a future, uncertain but full of promise". Right there is where promises must bring unity amongst us, to the act and deliver!
THE NEW VOICE OF YOUNG EMERGING AFRICANS
Tour
With a reputation for delivering electrifying performances, Alhanislam has been invited to perform at events and festivals all around the world, including the prestigious Global Citizen Festival. Her tours have taken her to cities and countries far and wide, where she has captivated audiences with her unique and unforgettable style. Alhan's live shows are an invitation to engage with the world in new and meaningful ways, as she brings words to life with passion, humour, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of spoken word, seeing Alhanislam perform live is an experience you would not soon forget.
Alhanislam Makes History as First Nigerian Olympic Flag Bearer at Milan 2026
Voices Unveiled
Empowering Africa Through Poetry and Advocacy
Gallery