344
By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
Vice-President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, from September 22 to Sunday, September 28, 2025.
This year’s UNGA will be attended by 193 member countries. It is the main deliberative organ of the United Nations (UN), serving as a crucial platform where world leaders discuss pressing international issues. It addresses global peace, security, development, human rights, and international law, while also approving the UN budget and electing members of key UN bodies.
Although its resolutions are not legally binding, they carry significant political influence and represent global consensus. The inaugural UNGA session took place on 10 January 1946 at Methodist Central Hall in London, with 51 founding members.
Five major issues will be at the forefront of this year’s UNGA. These include ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and other regions, with calls for peace, humanitarian aid, and civilian protection. Climate change will also be a key focus, with debates on climate finance, adaptation, and phasing out fossil fuels.
Developing nations will advocate for debt relief, reforms in the global financial system, and efforts to close the Sustainable Development Goals funding gap. Governance of artificial intelligence, ethics, and equitable access will also be discussed.
Finally, efforts to reinforce multilateralism and reform UN institutions amid increasing global polarization will be crucial for rebuilding trust and enhancing international cooperation.
In a statement on Saturday, Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on media and communications, said Shettima will lead the delegation on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The vice-president is expected to participate in the commemoration of the UN’s 80th anniversary at the UN headquarters on September 22.
He will also join other world leaders at the high-level general debates, scheduled from September 23 to 28.
“On behalf of President Tinubu, VP Shettima will also deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Wednesday, September 24 between 3:00pm and 9:00pm, New York time,” the statement reads.
“Besides, the Vice President will attend a special event on Climate for Heads of State and Government to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General on Wednesday, September 24, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, where Nigeria is expected to announce its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.”
The statement added that Shettima is scheduled to participate in a high-level roundtable of global champions on adequate and affordable housing, hosted by the Kenyan president, as well as hold bilateral meetings with other leaders.
After the UNGA session, the vice-president will travel to Frankfurt, Germany, where he is expected to meet with officials of Deutsche Bank before returning to Nigeria.