President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to speak at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the high-level General Debate in New York.
A revised speaker list obtained from UN headquarters confirms that Tinubu will deliver his speech on Wednesday, September 24, during the afternoon session, around 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. Nigerian time).
The Nigerian leader is scheduled as the 17th speaker of the day, joining more than 190 world leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, vice presidents, ministers, and special envoys.
Traditionally, Brazil’s president opens the debate, followed by the president of the United States as the host nation. The list remains subject to changes depending on last-minute adjustments from member states.
Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, Movses Abelian, explained: “The revised list reflects changes in the level of representation (upgrades and downgrades) and reflects exchanges among Member States.”
In 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Nigeria at the session and unusually retained Tinubu’s speaking slot on the first day—an honor many observers said highlighted Nigeria’s strong diplomatic standing.
The General Debate theme for this session is “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights.”
This year’s General Assembly, chaired by Germany’s Annalena Baerbock, will focus on issues ranging from conflict resolution and climate change to global poverty and women’s rights. Baerbock, only the fifth woman in history to preside over the UNGA, pledged to lead inclusively and with courage.
The high-level week will also feature the UN’s 80th anniversary commemoration, the SDG Moment, and summits on artificial intelligence governance, Palestine and the two-state solution, climate, and women’s empowerment.