Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport early Monday to represent Nigeria at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Upon arrival, Shettima was welcomed by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. He was also joined by Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), alongside Nigerian diplomats and UN officials.
In a statement, Shettima's spokesperson, Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, noted that President Bola Tinubu had tasked the Vice President with leading Nigeria’s delegation at this year's assembly. Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and participate in various high-level meetings throughout the event.
The 79th session of UNGA is pivotal in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s agenda features the Summit of the Future, which emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation to tackle critical challenges such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and the impacts of ongoing conflicts and health crises.
During the high-level week from September 23-27, the UN Department of Global Communications will host its flagship SDG Media Zone, featuring in-depth interviews and dialogues on pressing global issues. Heads of State and Government will convene at UN Headquarters from September 22-23 to address the critical gaps in global governance exposed by recent global events.
The UN Secretary-General will convene the Summit of the Future Action Days on September 20-21, offering further opportunities for engagement among all stakeholders.
Shettima's trip comes as President Tinubu focuses on pressing domestic issues, including recent devastating floods in Nigeria.
The Vice President will engage in bilateral meetings and discussions on the sidelines of the assembly, contributing to the high-level General Debate themed “Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations,” scheduled from September 24-28, 2024.