President Bola Tinubu is expected to represent Nigeria before world leaders at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), scheduled to hold in New York. According to a revised provisional list of speakers, Tinubu will deliver his statement on September 24 during the afternoon session of the high-level general debate. He is slated to be the 17th speaker on Day 2, though the order could be adjusted if he is not physically present.
This year’s General Assembly opened on September 9, with the main debate officially commencing on September 23 under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years And More For Peace, Development And Human Rights.” The milestone session marks eight decades of the UN’s existence and is expected to reflect on its achievements while pushing for a more inclusive and responsive multilateral system.
The Assembly will draw participation from 195 world leaders, including 98 heads of state, five vice-presidents, 44 heads of government, four deputy prime ministers, 37 ministers, one crown prince, and four chairs of delegation.
The UNGA debate serves as the stage where world leaders set out their positions and priorities on pressing global challenges ranging from security and development to human rights and climate action. For Nigeria, Tinubu’s speech is expected to highlight the country’s push for international partnerships in economic recovery, security cooperation against terrorism and organised crime, and stronger support for Africa’s development goals. Observers also expect him to stress the importance of multilateral solutions to global crises, including conflict resolution, migration, and sustainable energy.
Several high-level meetings are scheduled around the Assembly. On September 22, France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair a special conference on Palestine and the two-state solution. On September 25, leaders will gather to shape a new vision for tackling noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes, cancers and respiratory conditions, while advancing mental health and wellbeing. On September 26, a high-level event will mark the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, reinforcing disarmament as a key global priority.
Tinubu is currently on a 10-day vacation in France and the UK, which began on September 4. During the trip, he met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on September 10, where both leaders held a private lunch and reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation. The meeting was seen as part of Tinubu’s preparations for his international engagements, including his upcoming UNGA address, where Nigeria’s voice is expected to resonate strongly on issues affecting Africa and the wider global order.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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