Nigeria and Liberia Attend 81st UN General Assembly

The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) convened in New York from September 22 to 28 under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."

Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, led the Nigerian delegation after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mandated him to represent the country for the third consecutive year. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris stated that Tinubu is currently on annual leave in Europe, a decision that drew criticism from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria's national statement on September 24, focusing on economic diplomacy, climate action, and the reform of the global financial architecture. A primary objective for the delegation is advocating for a permanent seat for Nigeria on the UN Security Council to better reflect Africa's demographic weight.

Simultaneously, President Joseph Boakai led the Liberian delegation to the assembly. Boakai is scheduled to address the General Assembly and launch Liberia's third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. This diplomatic mission precedes Liberia's upcoming presidency of the UN Security Council in December, the first time the nation has held the position since 1961. The Liberian agenda emphasizes peacebuilding, health, and the management of natural resources.