Shettima Leads Nigeria at the UN Assembly Amid Global Challenges

The United Nations is facing many interests today. Nigerian Vice President, Senator Shettima, is leading Nigeria’s team this year, just like he did at the last two sessions. He said Nigeria will focus on its national interest, commitment to working with others, and President Tinubu’s call for reform in global institutions. This is a good move for the Tinubu administration, especially during this election season.

The high-level meetings and debates at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) start today at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA. About 300 leaders, including heads of states, vice presidents, ministers, and a crown prince will attend. This is the 81st UNGA, which began in June 1945. The event started on September 8, with various forums for institutions, private sector, and civil society. This shows the shared ownership of the programs and goals of the UN. Today’s debate will focus on many important issues.

This 81st session of UNGA occurs amid rising tensions and uncertainties worldwide. There is war in Gaza, Ukraine, the Middle East, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. There is also growing fear about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on humanity, climate action, and the need for environmental safety. There are also ongoing questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the UN. The critical question is: Can the UN stop conflicts and division and save the world? This year marks the end of António Guterres’ term as UN Secretary General on December 31. This will be his last UNGA in this role, and the process to elect a new Secretary General is already underway. Nigeria’s Amina Jane Mohammed, who was appointed Deputy Secretary General in 2017, will also step down after nine years.

Guterres has done well as Secretary General. He has been a strong advocate for peace, human dignity, a safer world, and climate action. He has been a voice of reason during a tough decade. Amina Mohammed, who holds Nigeria’s second highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), has worked hard as Deputy Secretary General. She has promoted women's rights and sustainable development goals. As she leaves her international role, Nigeria should be proud of her and find new ways for her to contribute to the country and the world.

The UN is at a crossroads and is facing a crisis. It was created in 1945 to promote peace, security, and development to prevent future wars after World War II. Over time, the UN has set up institutions to help achieve these goals. But today, many doubt if the UN is still fulfilling its original purpose. It suffers from a lack of credibility and trust.

The world is divided today. Multilateralism is under threat. Old alliances are breaking down, and energy prices are rising. The international order is failing as powerful countries like the US, Russia, and Israel ignore international laws. The Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, known as the P-5, have created a situation where power determines right, in violation of the UN Charter. When they are not in conflict with each other, they block anything that does not support their power. Critics argue that the UN General Assembly is just a debating group. But the debates starting today are still important.

Despite its flaws, the UN remains essential, now more than ever. In its 81 years, it has helped in development and defended causes that remind us of our shared humanity. Its various organizations may not have stopped all conflicts but have made strong efforts in many areas.

Today, Guterres will address the UN community of 193 member-nations. US President Donald Trump and French President Emanuel Macron will also speak. On Wednesday, speakers will include Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. On Thursday, Vice President Kashim Shettima will represent Nigeria. I will comment on Nigeria’s participation shortly. Also on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel will give a country statement, much to the discomfort of New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who had to be reminded that he cannot stop Netanyahu from entering New York. Meanwhile, the US government, which sees Israel as an ally, has blocked the Iranian delegation from entering the US for the second year in a row. President Mahmoud Abbas can only speak to the UNGA via video on Thursday. The treatment of Palestine, which has observer status, along with the Holy See, violates the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement.

The UN is still needed, maybe more than ever, as a stabilizing force. In its 81 years, it has helped with development and supported causes that remind us of our shared humanity. Its agencies may not have stopped all wars, but they have made strong efforts in peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, education, women’s support, and climate action.

The UN has been more successful than the League of Nations that came before it. It has even won the Nobel Peace Prize for its work through UNICEF, ILO, IAEA, and the UN Commission for Refugees. Its relevance was highlighted when President Trump proposed a Board of Peace Initiative to oversee a peace plan for Gaza. Many countries, like Australia, Brazil, and China, did not join this board due to concerns it could replace the UN. The UN Security Council welcomed the proposal, but Trump suggested he would be its President for Life! Even the 27 countries that joined Trump’s Board have not said they want to leave the UN.

There is a growing call among UN members for reform and restructuring, a topic that will likely come up again in discussions. The Allied Powers that established the UN are the US, UK, France, China, and Russia. But the power landscape has changed, and many believe the UN structure needs to reflect this change. The Security Council is dominated by the Permanent Five, who have veto power. In the 1970s, Third World nations formed the Group of 77 to push for more influence. Past Secretary Generals have tried to reform the UN.

Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who served from 1992 to 1996, initiated a reform of the UN secretariat. In 2011, Ban Ki-Moon set up a team to work on reform. His successor, Kofi Annan, also supported reforms. This past Sunday, Guterres called for permanent African representation on the Security Council and major reforms to global governance. Many regions, like Africa and Latin America, feel excluded. Countries like Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan want permanent seats, while the G4 nations seek to modernize the Security Council.

Nigeria gains nothing by being represented by its vice president. Senator Shettima has shown he is capable in international settings, as seen in events like the World Economic Forum and the UNGA. He has always done well. President Tinubu is not the only leader sending a delegation. China’s President Xi Jinping will have his deputy represent him, while President Putin of Russia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India will not be attending. With Vice President Shettima in New York, President Tinubu, who has been away for three weeks, should be returning home soon and not linger in Europe.

As debates begin at the UN General Assembly, the future of the UN and humanity should be the focus. The theme this year is "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All." The search for Guterres’ successor is already underway. It is crucial to choose the right candidate. The new Secretary General must be ready to handle the institution's strengths and weaknesses while bringing it closer to its original goals.

Last Friday, a third informal vote was held for the eight candidates interested in the position. This included two from Africa: former Senegalese President Macky Sall and Ugandan politician Olara Otunnu. The race is now down to three main candidates, Costa Rica’s Rebecca Gryspan, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett from Guyana, and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi. The candidate needs at least nine votes in the 15-member Security Council and cannot be vetoed by any of the Permanent Five. Removing this autocratic control from the UN is the most urgent task, along with addressing the threat of war and the rise of Artificial Intelligence.

The UN Charter also needs a review to remove outdated provisions and enemy clauses.