Nigeria’s Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, is among the global leaders scheduled to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) at the UN headquarters in New York. This significant assembly opened on September 10, with the General Debate commencing on Tuesday, September 24, and continuing through Monday, September 28.
The schedule for the speakers, released by the office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, reveals that a total of 194 participants are slated to speak during the General Debate. However, this number may be subject to change.
The breakdown of the speakers includes a diverse array of leadership: 76 Heads of State, four Vice Presidents, two Crown Princes, 42 Heads of Government, and nine Deputy Prime Ministers. Additionally, the list features 54 Ministers, one Vice Minister, and four Chairs of Delegation, including representatives from the European Union and the Holy See.
Notably, the assembly will also highlight the contributions of women, with 19 female speakers set to take the floor. This group includes five Heads of State, one Vice President, four Heads of Government, and nine female ministers, emphasizing the growing participation of women in global governance.
Vice-President Shettima arrived in New York on Monday, leading Nigeria’s delegation to the UN General Assembly. He is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and engage in various high-level meetings throughout the assembly.
Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by several key figures, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani. He was also greeted by the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, along with other Nigerian diplomats and UN officials.
As the General Debate unfolds, Shettima’s participation will be crucial in articulating Nigeria’s stance on various global issues, furthering diplomatic relations, and contributing to discussions on pressing international matters.