Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York as the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly gets underway.
Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation at the annual global gathering, where he is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Thursday, September 24.
The 81st UN General Assembly General Debate is taking place from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” The opening programme featured remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and addresses by several world leaders.
According to the Nigerian government, Shettima’s address will outline Nigeria’s position on major international issues affecting peace and security, sustainable development, economic growth and international cooperation. Nigeria is also expected to advance its position on reforms to global institutions and stronger representation for developing countries in international decision-making.
The Vice President arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Other members of the Nigerian delegation include Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim.
Ahead of the General Debate, Shettima received briefings from the Foreign Affairs Minister and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN on the country’s priorities, planned engagements and expectations for the gathering. The government said the delegation would use the meetings to advance Nigeria’s national interests and strengthen multilateral cooperation.
Among the issues Nigeria is expected to emphasise is reform of the international financial architecture, sustainable development, climate finance, access to technology and stronger African representation in global decision-making. Nigeria has also continued to advocate reforms that would give developing countries a greater voice in international institutions.
Shettima has already participated in other high-level engagements in New York. At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, he called for greater African cooperation to move away from exporting raw minerals and toward processing, manufacturing and value addition within the continent.
The Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners during the UNGA week. These engagements are expected to focus on areas of strategic interest to Nigeria and the wider African continent.
Nigeria’s national statement is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. An updated provisional speakers’ schedule places Nigeria fourth in the afternoon session of the General Debate on September 24.
Shettima’s appearance at the General Assembly comes after President Tinubu mandated him to represent Nigeria at the 81st session. The Nigerian government has said the Vice President’s leadership of the delegation will ensure the country remains represented throughout the high-level meetings and diplomatic engagements in New York.
The address will provide an opportunity for Nigeria to set out its diplomatic priorities before the international community, while the meetings on the sidelines of the General Assembly will provide further opportunities for engagement with governments, international institutions and development partners.
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