Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will today address the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on issues bordering on tackling climate change, illicit financial flows and asset return to the country with a view to encouraging stronger international cooperation.
Tinubu who is already in New York, United States for Assembly will also highlight Nigeria’s efforts towards the attainment of the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs), and ensuring international peace and security, among others.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli in Abuja yesterday.
Omayuli said the High-Level segment of the 78th UNGA commences today, Tuesday, 19th September, 2023, with the General Debate, during which Heads of State will take their turns to deliver their addresses.
She said the General Debate, convened by the General Assembly (GA), will hold this year, under the Presidency of Mr. Dennis Francis of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The statement noted: “The direction of the General Debate will be anchored on the theme of the 78th Session, which is “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and it’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Solidarity for all.
“As the practice is, member states will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on the theme and present their national positions on each of the thematic items, which make up the overriding theme,” the foreigner affairs spokesperson said.
Omayuli said, in addition to the General Debate, Nigeria is expected to demonstrate leadership while participating in the various meetings scheduled for the High-Level week which include:
“Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future, convened by the secretary-general of the United Nations today, Monday, 18th September, 2023. It will be attended by the minister of foreign aAffairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
“High-Level Political Forum on SDGs convened by the General Assembly (GA) and scheduled to hold on Monday, 18th September, 2023; General Debate to hold from Tuesday, 19th – Tuesday, 26th September, 2023.
“Climate Ambition Summit convened by the secretary-general of the United Nations and scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023; High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023.
“High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023; High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 21st September, 2023.
“High- Level Meeting on the Fight against Tuberculosis, scheduled for Friday, 22nd September, 2023; and High-Level Meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.”
She further noted that Tinubu’s participation at the 78th UNGA, being his first, will undoubtedly enhance Nigeria’s visibility and elicit tremendous goodwill that will help foster closer partnership with other world leaders and engender better cooperation with development partners.