Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined world leaders at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the opening of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu and leading Nigeria’s delegation at the annual gathering.

He attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses before joining the General Debate.

The Vice President arrived at the General Assembly Hall alongside the governors of Zamfara, Kwara and Rivers states — Dauda Lawal, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Siminalayi Fubara.

Other members of Nigeria’s delegation include Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim.

The General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28, is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Shettima is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement on Thursday, September 24.

According to the State House, his address will outline Nigeria’s position on global issues, including reform of international institutions, sustainable development, peace and security, climate action and a more equitable global economic order.

Earlier in New York, Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group.

He called for greater cooperation among African countries to move away from exporting raw minerals and instead develop processing, manufacturing and other value-added industries around the continent’s mineral resources.

The Vice President also made a brief stop at Nigeria House in New York after leaving the UN headquarters.

He is expected to participate in further high-level and bilateral engagements during the UN General Assembly week.