Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that Nigeria will be guided by its national interest and commitment to multilateralism as it engages world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He made this statement after arriving in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria's delegation to the high-level gathering. Shettima emphasized that Nigeria will advance the President's call for reforms to global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
Shettima's message in New York is clear: Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern the world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today. He added that Nigeria will engage its international partners from the standpoint of the country's national interest while advocating a stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries. This approach aligns with President Tinubu's call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper.
The 81st UN General Assembly's high-level General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 26 and September 28 at the UN headquarters in New York. The theme of the session is "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all." During the General Debate, Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria's national statement, outlining the country's positions on international issues relating to peace and security, development, economic growth, and global cooperation.
The Vice President is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organizations, and development partners on the sidelines of the General Assembly. According to the State House, Nigeria will use these engagements to advance its positions on the reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, technology access, and stronger African representation in global decision-making.
Shettima arrived in New York with a delegation that includes the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Doris Uzoka-Anite; and other senior government officials. They were received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Office of the Vice President, Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim.
The UN says the General Debate provides an opportunity for heads of state, government, and other high-level representatives to outline their positions and priorities on global challenges. This year's session is particularly significant, as it comes at a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, including climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice. Nigeria's participation in the General Assembly is expected to contribute to the global conversation on these issues.
As Nigeria engages with world leaders at the UNGA, the country is expected to push for reforms to global institutions and advocate for a more equitable and representative international system. The Vice President's participation in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements will provide a platform for Nigeria to advance its national interests and strengthen its relationships with international partners. Key issues, such as climate finance and African representation in global decision-making, are expected to feature prominently in Nigeria's discussions.
Key points
- Nigeria will prioritize its national interest and commitment to multilateralism at the 81st UN General Assembly.
- The country will advocate for reforms to global institutions to reflect contemporary economic and demographic realities.
- Nigeria will push for a stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries in the global system.
