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Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tijjani Muhammad-Bande was elected by acclamation on Tuesday to head the UN General Assembly, taking over from Ecuadorian Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces.
Muhammad-Bande’s election to serve the one-year role as the President of the 74th session of the General Assembly took place in the General Assembly Hall at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
Peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion will constitute a major priority of my presidency,” said the UNGA president-elect.
The promotion of human rights and the empowerment of women and youth deserve special attention, and I will be devoted to the promotion of gender parity throughout the whole UN system, starting from my own Office,” he added.
Noting that the 75th anniversary of the UN’s founding would be commemorated during his tenure, Muhammad-Bande called it a unique opportunity for us to reduce the trust deficit between nations.
To achieve the visions of our founding fathers, we must ensure that indifference and cynicism do not creep into our Organization, he asserted, saying that the 193-nation UNGA must play its role in bridging the gaps and promoting collective action.
In his remarks, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres congratulated Muhammad-Bande and noted some of the many important and admirable qualifications he brings to the office. The Secretary General offered the president-elect his support as we strive to reach our shared goals and uphold universal values
Source: International Islamic News Agency