Vice President Kashim Shettima has said 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.
Shettima stated this after arriving in New York on Monday to represent President Bola Tinubu and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the high-level gathering.
He said Nigeria would use the engagements to advance its interests while supporting reforms that would make global institutions more representative and responsive to current economic and demographic 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 said Nigeria would engage its international partners from the standpoint of its national interest while advocating a stronger voice and fairer opportunities for developing countries.
“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 hold from 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.”
Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate, outlining the country’s positions on issues including peace and security, development, economic growth and international cooperation.
He is also scheduled to participate in high-level meetings and bilateral engagements with world leaders, international organisations and development partners.
According to the State House, the engagements will focus on issues including 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 Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning Doris Uzoka-Anite and other senior government officials.
Those who received him included 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, 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 General Debate provides an opportunity for heads of state, government and other high-level representatives to present their positions and priorities on global challenges.
