Nigeria presented several key demands and priorities at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), ranging from reform of the UN Security Council to climate finance and global peace efforts.
Here are seven things Nigeria pushed for:
- UN Security Council reform
Nigeria called for the reform of the UN Security Council, demanding, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, at least two permanent seats for Africa with full privileges, including veto rights for as long as the veto exists. It also called for five non-permanent seats for the continent.
- Return to the UN’s founding principles
Nigeria called for a renewed commitment to dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility, arguing that diplomacy should take precedence over coercion and international law over arbitrary power.
- Diplomacy to address conflicts
Nigeria urged the international community to pursue urgent diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts, particularly in Sudan and other countries affected by war.
- Protection of civilians
Nigeria called on all parties involved in conflicts to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.
- Reform of the international financial architecture
Nigeria advocated reforms to the international financial system, including wider access to concessional financing and debt sustainability frameworks that take into account the development needs of developing countries.
- Peacekeeping and peacebuilding
Nigeria called on the United Nations to strengthen peacekeeping efforts while placing greater emphasis on peacebuilding, mediation, institution-building and sustainable development.
- Equitable climate finance
Nigeria called for climate finance arrangements based on equity and shared responsibility, with international commitments translated into accessible, predictable and adequately funded mechanisms for developing countries.