Over the last two weeks, I have repeatedly heard a similar sentiment. Sometimes it’s phrased as “what does Nigeria even gain from the United Nations General Assembly?” Others may say, “you diplomats just go to New York to talk and shop, you don’t achieve anything concrete.”
Views like this are all too common. They demonstrate, without a shadow of doubt, that Nigerians are skeptical of the benefits of an active foreign policy. With myriad challenges at home that have lingered or worsened over the decades, Nigerians should be forgiven for their skepticism. It has always been my belief that leadership is service and nowhere is this more true than in a democratic system of governance. As a democracy that continues to grow and consolidate upon itself, the Nigerian government owes her citizens explanations.
Every year delegations representing the 193 Member States of the United Nations flock to New York for the General Assembly. Every delegation is given the opportunity to make its case on the global stage. It is one of the most important and enduring traditions of the international institution, promoting dialogue, cooperation and equality among all nations. For all the criticism that the United Nations has received over the years, no institution in the course of human history has done more to advance the cause of global peace and stability – and the General Assembly remains its main event. By routinely creating avenues for countries to meet and talk, the United Nations provides a release valve for global tensions, as well as reinforces principles and norms that can guide the behaviour of countries. We must not take this for granted.
Ultimately, Nigeria went to New York to talk. To discuss, converse, emphasise, urge, cajole and even warn. In the abstraction of international relations, it can sometimes be forgotten that all these institutions are made up of and run by people. And people communicate. It is the basis of society. Almost every correction of a child by a parent, every marriage, every divorce, every business deal, starts with a conversation. It is largely the same for countries, except for one major caveat. When countries don’t talk, the consequences can be dire. One only has to look at the escalating conflicts around the world, transnational crime, terrorism and climate change to be reminded of the importance of talking to each other.
At the United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria used the opportunity to reiterate longstanding calls for Security Council reform, a continuation of tireless efforts led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision. Such efforts have resulted in a clear shift in the international community’s approach to the Security Council, as illustrated by the US Government’s statement, in September, announcing its commitment to basic reforms. This is particularly important, as the Security Council represents the apex of global decision-making. In 2023, 22 of the 45 resolutions adopted by the Council related to Africa, representing just under 50% of its decisions. In short, a body without a permanent African seat spends almost half of its time focused on the continent. It is simply not fair or right. But the situation cannot change if we do not engage.
During the General Assembly, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister emphasised the need for the international community to provide much greater support to African-led solutions to ongoing challenges, including terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Meetings between the Nigerian delegation and representatives of Senegal, Sudan, UAE, US, UK, the African Union Commission and the UN Secretary-General, among others, allowed Nigeria to highlight these key issues, seek enhanced coordination and explore other avenues of cooperation. These meetings represent the first steps to securing various real benefits for Nigerian citizens, including a safer region, economic linkages that can accelerate development, and more favourable frameworks for dignified migration. Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to a just international system, human rights and global collaboration to address multidimensional threats, such as climate change, which recently contributed to devastating floods across the country.
At this point, I am sure that there are many who appreciate what I have outlined above. However, there will certainly be others who will need to see tangible results and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to be convinced. I am sorry. Diplomacy is art, not science. There is no metric I can use to provide the evidence you seek. I cannot tell you that the we’ve increased the Global North’s openness to Security Council reform by 17.5% since last year. Instead, I remind you that every achievement starts with conversations – when you see increased counter-terrorism support from country X for our region; or a billion dollar investment framework with country Y; keep in mind that these agreements begin with diplomats talking at events like the United Nations General Assembly.
In many ways, the United Nations General Assembly is a talk shop. Diplomacy, foreign policy and multilateralism are built on the basis of people coming together to dialogue. There is nothing wrong with that. Talking is good. It’s when we don’t talk that things fall apart.
Faisal Wando, Special Assistant on Policy and Special Duties to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
1st October 2024
