L
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address world leaders at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
The President is scheduled to speak as the 10th speaker during the morning session on the second day of the high-level General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28 at the United Nations headquarters. According to a provisional list of speakers, Tinubu is expected to deliver his address between 11:30 a.m. and noon New York time (4:30 p.m. Nigerian time).
He will join representatives of the 193 UN member states, including more than 150 heads of state and government, as well as vice-presidents, deputy prime ministers, ministers and other senior officials.
In line with established protocol, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to open the General Debate on September 22, followed by United States President Donald Trump.
The theme for UNGA 81, to be presided over by Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman, is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Tinubu’s participation is expected to include a series of high-level engagements, side events and summits focusing on climate action, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness and other global challenges. The President is also expected to hold a high-level meeting with outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term ends on December 31, 2026.
Speaking slots remain subject to possible adjustments depending on attendance.