Paragraph 1: Vice President Shettima’s Mission to the UN General Assembly
Vice President Kashim Shettima embarked on a diplomatic mission to New York City to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). This significant event, taking place from September 22nd to 28th, 2025, provides a platform for global leaders to address pressing international issues and collaborate on solutions. Shettima’s role as the head of the Nigerian delegation underscores the nation’s commitment to multilateralism and its active participation in the global arena. His presence at UNGA 80 signifies Nigeria’s readiness to engage in dialogue, contribute to policy discussions, and advocate for its national interests on the world stage.
Paragraph 2: Delivering Nigeria’s National Statement and Engaging in High-Level Debates
A central component of Vice President Shettima’s UNGA participation involves delivering Nigeria’s national statement, a crucial opportunity to articulate the country’s position on key global challenges and outline its foreign policy priorities. This address serves as a platform to communicate Nigeria’s perspectives to the international community, highlighting its contributions to peace, security, and sustainable development. Beyond delivering the national statement, Shettima will actively participate in high-level general debates, engaging with world leaders and diplomats on a wide range of critical issues. These discussions provide a forum for exchanging ideas, fostering understanding, and building consensus on complex global matters.
Paragraph 3: Announcing Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Addressing Climate Change
A critical aspect of Shettima’s agenda at UNGA 80 is the announcement of Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The NDCs represent a nation’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. Nigeria’s revised NDCs will demonstrate the country’s resolve to address this global crisis and contribute to a more sustainable future. Shettima’s participation in the UN special event on climate change further emphasizes Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation on this critical issue.
Paragraph 4: Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements on Issues of National and International Importance
Beyond the formal proceedings of the General Assembly, Vice President Shettima’s schedule includes a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements. These meetings provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with other nations, address specific areas of cooperation, and advance Nigeria’s interests on various fronts. Bilateral discussions allow for focused dialogue on issues of mutual concern, while multilateral engagements facilitate collaboration on broader global challenges. These interactions are crucial for fostering diplomatic ties, promoting trade and investment, and addressing shared security concerns.
Paragraph 5: The Context of UNGA 80 and its Significance
UNGA 80, which commenced on September 9th, 2025, unfolds against a backdrop of complex global challenges, ranging from climate change and geopolitical tensions to economic instability and humanitarian crises. The assembly provides a vital platform for world leaders to address these issues collectively and forge a path toward a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future. The SDG Moment, scheduled for September 22nd, serves as a critical juncture to assess progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and galvanize further action.
Paragraph 6: Nigeria’s Role in the International Community
Nigeria’s participation in UNGA 80 underscores its active role in the international community and its commitment to multilateralism. As Africa’s most populous nation and a major player on the continent, Nigeria’s contributions to global discussions are of significant importance. Vice President Shettima’s presence at this event reinforces Nigeria’s dedication to working collaboratively with other nations to address global challenges and promote a more just and equitable world. His engagements at UNGA 80 will shape Nigeria’s foreign policy trajectory and contribute to its efforts in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development on both regional and global scales.