Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will use its participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly to advance the country’s interests and push for reforms in global institutions.
Shettima stated this on Monday after arriving in New York to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level UN gathering.
He said Nigeria remained committed to multilateral cooperation but would advocate changes that would make international institutions more representative and responsive to current global realities.
“Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today,” Shettima said.
The Vice President added that the country would engage its international partners based on its national priorities while supporting greater opportunities for developing nations in global decision-making.
“We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria’s national interest while advancing President Tinubu’s call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper,” he said.
The high-level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 26, with another sitting on September 28, at the UN headquarters in New York.
The theme for this year’s session is, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Shettima is expected to present Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, highlighting the country’s positions on peace and security, economic development, global cooperation and other international concerns.
He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings and participate in high-level engagements with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners on the sidelines of the assembly.
According to the State House, discussions will include reforms to the international financial system, sustainable development, climate financing, access to technology and stronger African participation in global decision-making.
The Vice President arrived in New York alongside Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior government officials.
He was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and other Nigerian officials.
The UN General Debate provides an opportunity for heads of state, government leaders and other senior representatives to present their countries’ positions and priorities on major global issues.
