Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, have left Nigeria to participate in the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) being held in the United States.
President Tinubu’s departure marks his first attendance at the UNGA since taking office in May. The presidency formally announced his journey in a Sunday statement. During the summit, he is slated to engage in bilateral discussions with key global leaders, including President Joe Biden of the United States and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union Commission. Tinubu’s agenda also includes meetings with technology industry leaders Brad Smith of Microsoft and Nick Clegg from Meta Technologies, focusing on enhancing Nigeria’s digital transformation and harnessing artificial intelligence.
One highlight of his UNGA participation will be his inaugural national statement at the UN headquarters on September 19. Additionally, President Tinubu will address American business leaders at the US Chamber of Commerce and preside over the NASDAQ closing ceremony, marking the first time an African president has done so. The 78th UNGA session, which is scheduled from September 18 to 26 in New York, revolves around the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.”
Simultaneously, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola embarks on diplomatic mission to New York for the UNGA. His visit is in response to an invitation from the US government to engage in discussions with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The talks will primarily center on the partnership for Atlantic Cooperation, an initiative aimed at uniting coastal Atlantic States under shared principles and advancing mutual interests across the Atlantic area.
Oyetola emphasized his commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on sustainable ocean resource management and economic development. He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, will achieve the five Ps of sustainable development: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.
These diplomatic endeavors underscore Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, addressing global challenges, and pursuing sustainable development goals on the global stage.
