At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, delivered a powerful message to the international community.
In his address, he outlined 21 critical issues that Nigeria believes the world must prioritize for progress and global stability.
Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, compiled the key points which ranged from global security threats to economic reform.
President Tinubu’s speech began by questioning the UN’s effectiveness in responding to today’s pressing global challenges.
He stressed the need for world leaders to prioritize collective action over individual national interests, with emphasis on poverty reduction, combatting terrorism, inequality, and addressing climate change.
Here are the key issues presented during the assembly:
1. The United Nations must re-evaluate its role and effectiveness in addressing global problems.
2. Global peace, development, and human rights efforts are hindered by national self-interests taking precedence over the common good.
3. Major global issues such as terrorism, armed conflicts, inequality, poverty, food insecurity, and climate change demand immediate attention.
4. Nigeria’s 25 years of continuous democracy is a testament to its resilience, though the rise of unconstitutional government changes in Africa highlights the fragility of democracy in the region.
5. The global debt crisis hampers nations from meeting basic needs, while protectionist policies and trade barriers limit economic growth.
6. Violent extremism and terrorism remain formidable obstacles to peace and development worldwide.
7. Climate change is a major driver of insecurity, making it harder to achieve sustainable development goals.
8. The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires a two-state solution to foster long-term peace.
9. Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to supporting UN Peacekeeping Operations and advocates for stronger backing of the African Standby Force.
10. There is an urgent need to reform the UN Security Council, with calls for Africa to be granted permanent representation.
11. Many developing nations are lagging in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily due to limited financial resources and burdensome external debt.
12. Nigeria calls for a fairer international financial system and seeks to promote inclusive multilateral trade to benefit developing countries.
13. The international community must cooperate more effectively to recover stolen assets and eliminate safe havens for illicit wealth.
14. Nigeria urges for comprehensive debt relief and fair international tax systems to enable economic development in struggling nations.
15. Developing countries need special financial concessions and debt relief to support their sustainable development goals.
16. Natural gas is positioned as a vital energy source for Africa’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.
17. While committed to climate action, Nigeria stresses the importance of the “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities” principle in climate negotiations.
18. The global digital divide, particularly between the Global North and South, needs urgent attention, including the regulation of cryptocurrency markets.
19. The advancement of youth and women is crucial to fostering national development and sustaining peace.
20. Nigeria stands in support of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
21. Finally, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and its active participation in the United Nations.
This comprehensive presentation from Nigeria underscored the interconnectedness of global challenges, urging the world’s leaders to adopt a unified approach in tackling these issues for a more equitable and sustainable future.
