KEY POINTS
- Tinubu to address UN General Assembly debate.
- Nigeria keeps rare and prestigious speaking slot.
- UNGA 80 focuses on peace, development, and rights.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is set to deliver Nigeria’s statement at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York on Wednesday, September 24.
Speaking slot and timing
According to a revised provisional list of speakers obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria at UN headquarters, Tinubu will speak during the afternoon session, around 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. in Nigeria). He is also listed as the 17th speaker on day two of the high-level General Debate.
In total, 195 leaders are expected to address the Assembly, including 98 heads of state, five vice presidents, 44 heads of government, and four deputy prime ministers.
Brazil and U.S. maintain tradition
As tradition dictates, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will be the first speaker, followed by U.S. President Donald Trump, representing the host country.
Nigeria’s unusual diplomatic feat
Tinubu’s scheduled appearance follows last year’s rare arrangement in which Vice President Kashim Shettima represented him on day one of the debate while still retaining Nigeria’s presidential slot. Furthermore Diplomats credited the feat to Nigeria’s standing in the UN and strategic manoeuvring by its delegation.
Theme and sessions
This year’s debate is anchored on the theme: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights.”
The General Assembly’s 80th session formally opened on September 9 with Germany’s Annalena Baerbock sworn in as president. She is also only the fifth woman to hold the role in UN history.
The high-level week runs from September 22 to September 30 and will feature a packed schedule, including:
The 80th Anniversary Commemoration of the UN, The SDG Moment, The 30th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. The Conference on Palestine and the Two-State Solution, A Climate Summit, The launch of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
UN official on evolving list
Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, said the speakers’ list will remain fluid until the debate begins, reflecting changes in delegations’ representation.
