The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has commenced in New York, with nearly 130 heads of state and government in attendance. The gathering focuses on pressing global issues, including wars in Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar, climate change, and economic pressures. These issues have direct implications for Nigeria, particularly in regards to food and energy prices, climate financing, and conflicts. The UNGA will run from September 22 to 28.
The UNGA agenda includes discussions on major conflicts, global warming, and disruptions to shipping routes and supply chains. The future of the United Nations itself is also expected to feature prominently, with member states pushing for reforms, including changes to the Security Council. The organisation faces financial difficulties, with outstanding United States dues contributing to pressure on peacekeeping operations and humanitarian aid. Artificial intelligence has emerged as another major concern.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the global situation "is getting worse" due to increasing complex wars and geopolitical divisions paralysing the Security Council. Guterres highlighted the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war and the US-Israel war on Iran on food availability, fuel prices, and inflation globally. He expressed concerns about the involvement of major powers in ongoing conflicts, contributing to violations of international law and creating an environment of impunity.
Guterres also pointed out that developed countries could manage the effects of higher interest rates and fuel prices, but people in developing countries faced severe hardship due to rising energy and food costs and fertiliser shortages. As his tenure draws to a close, Guterres stated that his successor would inherit an organisation facing multiple crises and requiring reforms to remain relevant on the global stage.
The absence of Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu from the UNGA has generated mixed reactions among foreign policy experts. Prof Joshua Bolarinwa stated that there was no major concern over the President's absence as long as Nigeria's interests were adequately represented. He noted that Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, had been effectively representing the country.
However, Kelechi Nwogu, a Research Fellow at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, said Tinubu's absence carried implications for Nigeria's standing amid the changing global order. Nwogu described the absence as unfortunate and stated that it did not project Africa in a positive light. He added that Nigeria could benefit from the President's physical presence at the UNGA to engage directly with other world leaders.
The Federal Government has responded to the criticism, stating that Tinubu's absence does not diminish Nigeria's diplomatic standing. Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, questioned the constitutionality of Tinubu's prolonged stay abroad. Tinubu extended his stay in Europe and is expected to return on the weekend. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the UNGA.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu's absence from the UNGA has sparked mixed reactions among foreign policy experts.
- The UNGA agenda includes discussions on major conflicts, global warming, and disruptions to shipping routes and supply chains.
- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the global situation "is getting worse" due to increasing complex wars and geopolitical divisions.
