By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Secretary of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Elizabeth Greene, says her participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), 2026, has opened new opportunities for international partnerships that could drive investment and development in the state.
Greene, who was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the global gathering in New York, disclosed this in a communique detailing her engagements during the High-Level Week.
The UNGA 2026 was held under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
The Nigerian delegation, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, included the governors of Rivers, Zamfara, Kwara and Borno states, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, members of the Federal Executive Council and other senior government officials.
According to Greene, Nigeria’s participation featured the delivery of President Bola Tinubu’s National Statement by Vice President Shettima on September 24, with discussions centered on UN reform, peace and security, climate action, technology and sustainable development.
She said Nigeria also renewed its call for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, including at least two permanent seats with veto rights for Africa in line with the Ezulwini Consensus, as well as five non-permanent seats.
Greene said the Vice President further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and security, citing the country’s roles in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia, while calling for stronger international action against terrorism, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows.
On climate action, she said Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, with emphasis on renewable energy, clean cooking and climate-smart agriculture.
Greene said these commitments have particular significance for Cross River State because of its biodiversity, agricultural potential and growing ecological challenges.
She disclosed that the state delegation used engagements around the UNGA to draw international attention to devastating landslides and severe gully erosion threatening lives, homes and infrastructure across the Calabar metropolis.
According to her, increased access to sub-national climate financing is critical to addressing the ecological challenges and building resilience in affected communities.
Beyond climate issues, Greene said bilateral engagements with Heads of States, country representatives and other stakeholders created opportunities for Cross River to explore partnerships in trade, investment, agriculture, tourism and diaspora engagement.
Among the areas identified for further exploration, she said, are the development of a maritime corridor linking Calabar with Ghanaian ports in Accra and Takoradi, and the use of the Calabar Free Trade Zone to attract manufacturers from across West Africa.
She also identified potential cooperation in cocoa processing and value addition, as well as tourism partnerships that could link Ghana’s heritage sites with Cross River’s Obudu Mountain Resort and the Calabar Carnival.
Greene, however, clarified that the engagements did not amount to concluded agreements, noting that the proposed partnerships would require federal approvals, private-sector participation and sustained institutional engagement.
She expressed appreciation to Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for his support and policy direction under the People First agenda, as well as Vice President Shettima for the opportunity to participate in the Nigerian delegation.
Greene said the experience had reinforced the need to strengthen the relationship between Cross River State, its diaspora and the international community.
She added that the ultimate goal should be to translate international engagements and global connections into jobs, investment and sustainable development for the people of Cross River State.
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