Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria has embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission, representing President Bola Tinubu at the G77, China Leaders’ Summit. The event, scheduled to take place from September 15 to 17, 2023, in Havana, Cuba, promises to be a gathering of world leaders and dignitaries, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres.
The Office of the Vice President, through its Director of Information, Mr. Olusola Abiola, issued a statement announcing Vice President Shettima’s participation in the summit. The primary focus of this prestigious event is to deliberate on pressing development issues affecting member nations, particularly those from the global south.
Mr. Abiola emphasized, “The summit will equally explore proactive ways of addressing challenges facing the development of the member-states, leveraging science, technology, and innovation to enhance socio-economic growth.”
In addition to participating in the main summit activities, Vice President Shettima is set to engage in bilateral meetings with other world leaders. These meetings aim to strengthen Nigeria’s trade and investment relations, aligning with the economic development diplomacy of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The G77, China Leaders’ Summit will be hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel DÃaz-Canel, who serves as the Chairman of the G77. The central theme of this year’s summit is “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation,” highlighting the critical role of these factors in addressing global development challenges.
Nigeria has a long-standing association with the G77, having been a founding member since its establishment in 1964. Comprising 134 developing countries representing 80% of the world’s population, the G77’s mission is to promote collective economic interests and enhance joint negotiating capacity within the United Nations.
Accompanying Vice President Shettima on this mission are key ministers and officials, including Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Abubakar Kyari, Innovation, Science, and Technology counterpart Uche Nnaji, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adamu Lamuwa.
As Vice President Shettima takes the mantle of leadership in representing Nigeria and President Tinubu at this international gathering, the nation’s aspirations for stronger global ties and collaborative solutions to development challenges remain at the forefront.
