President Bola Tinubu at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, called on world leaders to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism by strengthening relations among United Nations (UN) member states per the principles of inclusivity, equality, and cooperation.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasised that recommitting to multilateralism is the most effective path to addressing the existential challenges facing the global community.
Mr Shettima delivered this message during the General Debate of the 79th UNGA at the UN headquarters in New York, USA.
In his address, Mr Shettima expressed concern over the rising trend of singularity and nationalism, which, according to him, undermine the collective efforts required to tackle pressing global issues such as terrorism, climate change, poverty, food crises, hyperinflation, nuclear proliferation, and crippling debt burdens, among others.
He reminded world leaders that the UN embodies multilateralism, which is rooted in inclusivity and built upon the three key pillars of peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
Mr Shettima also voiced apprehension regarding the UN’s primary objectives and its ability to sustain its relevance and resilience in the face of these challenges, noting that the organization’s foundational pillars are at risk of being compromised if the principles of inclusivity, equality, and cooperation are not upheld.
“Today, these pillars of our organisation are threatened. They risk being broken by the relentless pursuit of individual national priorities rather than the collective needs of the nations that are assembled here today. While commitment to multilateralism offers us the surest guarantee of global action to address the existential challenges we face, singularity and nationalism are undermining the aspirations towards the peaceful and collective resolution of such challenges.
“From last year’s summit, and indeed from previous years, we have carried over the numerous challenges of terrorism, armed conflict, inequality, poverty, racial discrimination, human rights abuses, food crises, hunger, irregular migration, piracy, global pandemics, hyper-inflation, nuclear proliferation, grinding debt burden, climate change, and a host of other vexations.
“The continued manifestation of these challenges testifies to our failings rather than to any lofty achievements on our part. Billions of dollars are being committed to the prosecution of wars and the fanning of the embers of conflict.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to strengthening multilateralism, noting that the nation continues to uphold the same values it demonstrated 65 years ago when it became the 99th member of the United Nations.
“We remain committed to that “desire to remain friendly with all nations and participate actively in the works of the United Nations”, as expressed by our founding Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.”
The Vice President expressed deep concern over the resurgence of unconstitutional government changes and military coups in certain African nations.
He noted that these incidents highlight the vulnerability of democracy, especially when it lacks the foundation of economic growth and long-term peace and security.
He emphasized that this issue should take centre stage during discussions at the high-level segments of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to him, these forceful government takeovers have fueled growing impatience in both urban and rural areas, driven by the slow and often cumbersome progress of democratic processes.
“Our people need employment. They need decent livelihoods. They desire good and affordable education and healthcare for their children and families. They need to live in healthy, safe and secure environments. They need hope and they need opportunity,” he added
