URGENT UPDATE: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s quest for a restructured global order during a pivotal meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima today, August 26, 2023, at the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Guterres emphasized Nigeria’s unique position to elevate the continent’s influence on the world stage, highlighting its demographic strength and resource wealth. This significant appeal comes as nations worldwide navigate complex geopolitical challenges, making it crucial for Africa to assert its role in global affairs.
The UN chief praised the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu‘s administration and acknowledged Nigeria’s vital leadership in stabilizing the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite its own ongoing security issues. “Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres stated firmly.
This meeting underscored the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the UN, focusing on global economic growth, peace, security, sustainable development, and humanitarian responses across Africa. Vice President Shettima responded by expressing gratitude for Guterres’ leadership in promoting peace worldwide, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” Shettima declared.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding demand for comprehensive reform of the UN system, stressing that Africa must gain more substantial representation in global decision-making structures. The Vice President firmly stated that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both leaders committed to deepening their cooperative efforts, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its expanding role in promoting peace and development across the continent. This urgent call to action sets the stage for Nigeria to potentially lead Africa into a new era of global influence.
As developments unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how Nigeria responds to this pivotal challenge and what steps it will take to reinforce its leadership role on the global stage.
Stay tuned for more updates on this vital story as it develops.
