In a stirring address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria urged world leaders to recommit to multilateralism, emphasizing inclusivity, equality, and cooperation as essential principles for tackling the world’s most pressing issues. Represented by his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, Tinubu addressed the Assembly with a call for unity in the face of growing global challenges, from climate change and terrorism to poverty and economic instability.
At a time when the world faces mounting crises, Tinubu’s speech served as a clarion call for nations to embrace collective solutions over nationalist or singular pursuits. He underscored the need for countries to prioritise global cooperation, warning that pursuing individual national interests risks undermining the foundations of international peace and security. “Today, these pillars of our organisation are threatened,” Tinubu said, referring to the United Nations cornerstone principles of peace, sustainable development, and human rights. “They risk being broken by the relentless pursuit of individual national priorities rather than the collective needs of the nations assembled here today.”
Tinubu’s remarks came amid growing concerns that nationalism and isolationism are gaining ground, as evidenced by rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies in many parts of the world. He stressed that multilateralism remains “the surest guarantee of global action to address the existential challenges we face,” adding that any drift toward unilateralism could exacerbate global issues like terrorism, climate change, food insecurity, and economic inequality.
Nigeria’s Role in Advancing Global Peace and Security
As the current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Tinubu’s speech carried particular weight for Africa, a continent grappling with numerous challenges, including unconstitutional government changes, economic underdevelopment, and persistent insecurity. Tinubu expressed deep concern about the recent spate of military coups in some African nations, stating that these unconstitutional changes in government underscore the fragility of democracy when it is not supported by robust economic development and peace.
He called on the international community to take note of the frustration felt by many citizens in Africa and other developing regions, where the slow pace of democratic reforms and economic growth often leads to disillusionment. “Our people need employment. They need decent livelihoods. They desire good and affordable education and healthcare for their children and families,” Tinubu said. “When governments fail to deliver, the people are bound to question the utility of democracy and other ideals, like the rule of law.”
Nigeria’s leadership in ECOWAS has been critical in promoting regional stability, and Tinubu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening multilateralism. He reminded the Assembly of Nigeria’s long-standing engagement with the United Nations, noting that 65 years ago, the country became the UN’s 99th member state under the leadership of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. “We remain committed to that desire to remain friendly with all nations and participate actively in the works of the United Nations,” he added.
Reforming Global Financial Systems
A central theme of Tinubu’s address was the need for comprehensive reform of the international financial architecture to ensure a more equitable global economy. He argued that current financial systems, often dominated by developed nations, exacerbate the difficulties faced by developing countries, particularly those in the Global South. The Nigerian leader called for a rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, and transparent multilateral trading system.
Tinubu specifically urged the international community to prioritize debt forgiveness for Nigeria and other developing nations, noting that the crushing debt burden significantly hampers their ability to invest in sustainable development. “The global debt burden undermines the capacity of countries and governments to meet the needs of their citizens,” he said, warning that without meaningful debt relief measures, many developing nations will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and economic stagnation.
He further advocated for the recovery of illicit financial flows and stolen assets, which he described as critical for enabling developing nations to finance development projects. “The return of such funds to countries of origin is a fundamental principle of the United Nations Convention against Corruption,” Tinubu said, calling for international cooperation in eradicating safe havens that facilitate illicit financial flows from developing to developed countries.
Addressing Global Insecurity and Terrorism
Turning to the issue of global security, Tinubu highlighted the urgent need for a concerted international response to the growing threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, and armed conflicts. “We cannot build durable societies with the threat of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency growing in our countries and regions,” he warned. “Violent extremism remains an existential threat to both national and international peace, security, and development.”
Tinubu emphasised Nigeria’s leadership role in counter-terrorism efforts in West Africa and beyond, citing the upcoming High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting, which Nigeria will host in April 2024. The outcome of this summit, known as “The Abuja Declaration,” is expected to provide actionable solutions to the security challenges presented by terrorist groups and insurgents.
The Climate Crisis: A Call to Action
Tinubu also addressed the looming threat of climate change, describing it as one of the most significant drivers of global insecurity. He pointed to the devastating impact of climate-related disasters in Nigeria, including catastrophic floods that submerged large parts of the country, particularly the northeastern city of Maiduguri. He warned that no country is immune from the consequences of climate change and called on the international community to adhere to the commitments made at previous COP (Conference of the Parties) climate meetings.
“The failure to implement these commitments would amount to postponing the inevitable,” Tinubu said, urging immediate and sustained global action on climate change. He emphasized the need for developed countries to honour their financial pledges to help mitigate the impacts of climate change in vulnerable regions like Africa.
Tinubu also championed Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner energy sources, stressing that natural gas will play a central role in the country’s energy transition strategy. While underscoring the importance of addressing climate change, Tinubu also highlighted the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” as outlined in the Paris Agreement, noting that developed countries must take the lead in the global quest for net-zero emissions.
Reforming the United Nations Security Council
President Tinubu reiterated the longstanding call for reforming the United Nations Security Council, urging the inclusion of African nations as permanent members. “The Security Council should be expanded, in both the permanent and non-permanent member categories, to reflect the diversity and plurality of the world,” Tinubu asserted. He welcomed recent indications of support for Security Council reform from some of the current permanent members but urged for a quicker pace in implementing these changes.
“Africa must be accorded the respect it deserves in the Security Council,” Tinubu said, insisting that its representation would better reflect the current global order. As the world’s second most populous continent, with growing political and economic influence, Africa’s absence from the permanent membership of the Security Council is increasingly seen as anachronistic.
