UNGA79: VP Shettima Arrives New York

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in New York to represent Nigeria at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Shettima, leading the Nigerian delegation on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arrived through the John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday.

Upon arrival, the Vice President was greeted by a delegation including Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador, Yusuf M. Tuggar; Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani; and Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa.

Nigerian diplomats and UN officials were also present to welcome him.

The high-level week of UNGA 79, scheduled from September 24 to 28, will focus on the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations.”

Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement and engage in various high-level meetings during the session.

Key events at UNGA79 include the Summit of the Future on September 22-23, aimed at addressing gaps in global governance exposed by recent global challenges.

A negotiated Pact for the Future designed to strengthen international cooperation and adapt to current global issues would also be signed.

Other events during the week include the SDG Moment on September 24, and high-level meetings on sea-level rise, antimicrobial resistance, and nuclear disarmament on subsequent days.

The UNGA 79 also takes place against a backdrop of pressing global challenges, including climate change, poverty, inequality, conflicts, and health crises.

As per tradition, Brazil will open the general debate, followed by the United States as the UN’s host country.

The speaking order for the remaining 191 member states will be determined by geographic balance, level of representation, and individual state preferences, among others.