The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York has drawn global attention as leaders, diplomats, and policymakers gathered to reflect on the role of the UN in a time of deep international division. At the heart of the event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning: the world risks sliding into instability if multipolarity continues to grow without robust multilateral institutions. His caution comes at a time when wars, climate change, poverty, and shifting geopolitical alliances are testing the resilience of global governance.

This year’s UNGA marks the 80th anniversary of the UN’s founding. This milestone serves as both a reminder of the achievements of multilateral cooperation and a wake-up call to address the mounting threats that undermine peace and stability.

Guterres’ Warning: Lessons From History

In his address, Guterres likened the current geopolitical environment to Europe before World War I, where rising powers and fragmented alliances failed to prevent catastrophe. He stated that the world now faces “unprecedented threats to the founding principles of the United Nations,” citing the erosion of international law, ongoing conflicts, and a lack of global solidarity.

The Secretary-General condemned the targeting of civilians in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, highlighting how modern conflicts disregard humanitarian law. He lamented the rising poverty and hunger worldwide, describing them as unacceptable in an era of technological advancement and global wealth.

Equally urgent was his call on the climate crisis. “The planet burns, with fires, floods and record heat raging through climate chaos,” he declared, stressing the need for collective action beyond symbolic pledges.

The Case for a Stronger UN

Despite the challenges, Guterres emphasized that the UN’s legacy proves the value of international cooperation. He pointed to achievements such as:

• The eradication of smallpox, once a global killer.

• The healing of the ozone layer, through the Montreal Protocol.

• The prevention of a third world war, despite multiple crises since 1945.

For him, the lesson is clear: the UN must not only be defended but also strengthened to manage today’s interconnected crises. Without a stronger institutional framework, multipolarity could lead to chaos rather than balance.

Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, echoed Guterres’ call. Reflecting on the UN Charter signed on June 26, 1945, she described it as “a pledge not to deliver us to heaven, but to never again be dragged into hell by the forces of hatred and unchecked ambition.”

Baerbock urged member states to avoid the temptation of withdrawal and defeatism. “We cannot take the easy path and simply give up,” she stressed, encouraging countries to tackle global challenges “better together.”

In a significant development, France is reportedly preparing to recognize the state of Palestine, a move seen as an effort to pressure Israel amid its ongoing campaign in Gaza. The announcement, expected during the week-long assembly, underscores the deep divisions within the global community on Middle East peace and the growing demands for a two-state solution.

This decision could alter dynamics within the European Union, where countries remain split on how best to respond to Israel’s actions and the plight of Palestinians.

Nigeria’s Role at UNGA 80

Nigeria has stepped onto the world stage with a robust delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the session.

The Vice President is scheduled to:

• Deliver Nigeria’s national statement at the General Assembly.

• Participate in high-level debates and side events.

• Unveil Nigeria’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Climate Agreement.

• Attend the Global Champions Roundtable on Adequate and Affordable Housing.

• Hold bilateral meetings with world leaders.

• Join the African Union Peace and Security Council session.

• Meet with the Prime Minister of Sudan.

On arrival in New York, Shettima was received by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar, Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, Ambassador Samson Itegboje, and senior military attachés.

Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s priorities at UNGA 80, reiterating the country’s commitment to effective multilateralism and reforms of global systems. Among the key issues he highlighted were:

1. Global Tax Reform: Nigeria is championing a United Nations Global Convention on Taxation, aimed at curbing illicit financial flows and ensuring fairer revenue distribution among nations.

2. UN Security Council Reform: Tuggar restated Nigeria’s advocacy for Africa’s permanent representation, insisting on a minimum of two permanent seats, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

3. Peacekeeping Contributions: With Nigeria’s participation in over 60 UN peacekeeping missions, Tuggar emphasized the need for greater recognition of Africa’s contributions in terms of troops, resources, and funding.

On the sidelines of UNGA, Nigeria is hosting an Investment Day, designed to showcase the country’s opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture, telecommunications, and technology.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani noted that the initiative would reposition Nigeria as “an investment destination and one of Africa’s leading economies.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Oduwole, said the event aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing reforms and economic progress achieved in the past two years.

“The whole idea is to ensure Nigeria’s friends and partners are fully apprised of where we are now, and where we are headed,” she added.

Broader Global Concerns

Beyond the Nigerian delegation’s agenda, several global issues dominate the UNGA discussions:

• Climate Change: With record heat, floods, and wildfires sweeping multiple continents, climate policy remains at the forefront. Countries are under pressure to step up their Paris Agreement commitments.

• Conflict and Security: The wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan highlight the urgency of a stronger multilateral response to protect civilians and enforce international law.

• Poverty and Inequality: Rising costs of living, inflation, and uneven recovery from the pandemic continue to widen global inequality, especially in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

• Technology and AI Governance: Growing concerns over artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the digital divide are also expected to feature in side events and panel discussions.

Why the 80th UNGA Matters

This year’s UNGA is not just another diplomatic gathering, but a test of whether multilateralism can still deliver in an age of fragmentation. From France’s potential recognition of Palestine to Nigeria’s global tax push, the session underscores the urgency of reforms that make the UN more inclusive and effective.

As Guterres warned, a multipolar world without strong institutions risks chaos, conflict, and instability. Conversely, a stronger United Nations could act as a stabilizing force, guiding humanity through climate change, technological disruption, and geopolitical rivalry.

The 80th session of the UN General Assembly comes at a defining moment in world history. With conflicts raging, the climate crisis intensifying, and inequality growing, the principles on which the UN was founded are under attack. Secretary-General António Guterres’ warning is both timely and urgent: multipolarity without cooperation is a recipe for disaster.

For countries like Nigeria, UNGA 80 presents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, advocate for reforms, and attract investment that can enhance both national and global progress. For the broader international community, it presents an opportunity to reaffirm faith in multilateralism, resist the forces of division, and chart a path toward shared peace and prosperity.

The UN was created not to deliver a perfect world, but to prevent humanity from descending into chaos. As leaders debate in New York, the central question remains: will nations choose cooperation over conflict, or division over unity?