- Also President to speak on illicit financial flows, asset return
BY EDMOND ODOK – All is set for Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu to address the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, Tuesday on issues bordering on tackling climate change, illicit financial flows, and asset return to the country as part of efforts at encouraging stronger and more robust international cooperation.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli in Abuja yesterday, President Tinubu, who is already in New York, United States for the Assembly, will also highlight Nigeria’s efforts at attaining the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs), as well as ensuring international peace and security, among others.
The statement explained that the High-Level segment of the 78th UNGA commences today, Tuesday, 19th September 2023, with the General Debate, during which Heads of State will take their turns to address the Assembly.
She said the General Debate, convened by the General Assembly (GA), will take place this year, under the Presidency of Mr. Dennis Francis of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, adding; “The direction of the General Debate will be anchored on the theme of the 78th Session, which is “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Solidarity for all.”
The statement further said; “As the practice is, member states will have the opportunity to share their perspectives on the theme and present their national positions on each of the thematic items, which make up the overriding theme”.
In addition to the General Debate, Nigeria is expected to demonstrate leadership while participating in the various meetings scheduled for the High-Level week which include: “Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future, convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations today, Monday, 18th September 2023. It will be attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
“High-Level Political Forum on SDGs convened by the General Assembly (GA) and scheduled to hold on Monday, 18th September 2023; General Debate to hold from Tuesday, 19th – Tuesday, 26th September 2023.
“Climate Ambition Summit convened by the secretary-general of the United Nations and scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 20th September 2023; High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 20th September 2023.
“High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 20th September, 2023; High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage, scheduled to hold on Thursday, 21st September, 2023.
“High-Level Meeting on the Fight against Tuberculosis, scheduled for Friday, 22nd September, 2023; and High-Level Meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.”
Notedly, the statement said President Tinubu’s participation at the 78th UNGA, being his first, will undoubtedly enhance Nigeria’s visibility and elicit tremendous goodwill that will help foster closer partnerships with other world leaders and engender better cooperation with development partners.
