Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu won’t be attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York this year. Instead, Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead the country’s delegation.
This is contained in a press statement released on Thursday and signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
President Tinubu recently returned from trips to China and the UK and wants to prioritize domestic issues, especially after the recent devastating flooding in Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima’s agenda at UNGA 79 is packed. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, participate in key sideline events, and engage in bilateral meetings. This is a significant opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its commitment to global cooperation and advancement.
The high-level General Debate at UNGA 79 will take place from September 24 to 28, 2024. The theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” highlights the urgency of global collaboration.
This session will bring together world leaders to discuss pressing issues and work towards sustainable solutions.
Under the leadership of President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang of Cameroon, UNGA 79 aims to reaffirm commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and enhance international cooperation.
Vice President Shettima’s participation will ensure Nigeria’s voice is heard and its interests are represented on the global stage.
The statement read in part, “President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.
“The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.
“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.
“The high-level General Debate, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024.”
