New York:President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, particularly focusing on restructuring the Security Council to include permanent seats for Africa. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tinubu emphasized the need for changes to reflect the current global power dynamics.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu argued that Africa should not merely contribute to the Security Council’s agenda without having a voice in its permanent membership. He demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa, complete with veto power and full membership rights, as well as a total of five non-permanent seats.
Tinubu also urged world leaders to address global conflicts and nationalism, cautioning that these issues threaten the international order. He stressed the importance of returning to the founding principles of the United Nations, such as dialogue and cooperation, and highlighted Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping efforts across Africa through organizations like ECOWAS and the African Union.
The President linked Nigeria’s foreign policy to its economic reforms, underscoring the nation’s dedication to sustainable development and climate action. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, while also advocating for the use of technology to support this transition.
Tinubu called for an overhaul of the international financial structure to provide better access to financing for developing nations. He highlighted the substantial burden of debt servicing on critical sectors like education and healthcare, and the need for global cooperation to tackle modern threats such as terrorism and cyberattacks.
The President concluded by reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and urged the international community to uphold the principles of justice and accountability. He expressed hope for a reformed United Nations that can effectively address global challenges and ensure a peaceful future for all.