Cooperation is realistic path to resolving global challenges, says Shettima at G77 summit

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says international cooperation is needed to tackle global challenges.

A statement by Olusola Abiola, director of information, office of the VP, said Shettima spoke while addressing world leaders at the ongoing G77+China leaders’ summit in Cuba.

Shettima said the tension in some parts of the world must not be allowed to prevent countries from forging a mutually beneficial path to progress.

“We must always remember that cooperation is our compass and the most realistic path towards maximizing the opportunities and resolving challenges before us,” Shettima was quoted as saying.

“We must not allow geopolitical tensions in any corner of the world to deter us from forging a collective and mutually advantageous path forward, a roadmap of shared prosperity and progress.

“Allow me to reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with our fellow member nations of the G77 and China.

“We shall champion initiatives that harness the potential of science, technology, and innovation to confront economic challenges, particularly within the global south.”

Shettima also underscored the role played by science, technology and innovation in resolving challenges from the past to the present.

“Throughout history, science and technology have shaped the course of nations,” he said.

“The phases of the Industrial Revolution, from the first to the fourth, and from mechanization to automation, have determined the prosperity of those nations.

“It is crucial to acknowledge that the developing world found itself at a disadvantage in the earliest phases of these transformations, struggling to compete fairly as these revolutions swept across the globe.”

Shettima said Nigeria is contributing its own share in leveraging science, technology and innovation to resolving challenges such as COVID-19 and climate issues.

“Nigeria understands that the key to advancing innovation in science and technology lies in fostering a vibrant knowledge economy and facilitating the unrestricted exchange of ideas,” he said.

“This is the reason why across the globe, one would be hard-pressed to identify a premier institution, even within the most developed nations, where a Nigerian, trained at home, is not contributing significantly.

“Whether as a tech innovator or a medical specialist, in the noble pursuit of improving the human condition.”

Shettima also commended the contributions of Nigerian youths to the nation’s quest for technological advancement.

“These young citizens are not only dedicated to integrating human elements into the evolving technological sphere, but their efforts also extend to diverse fields,” he said.

“Ranging from telemedicine to the automation of agriculture, all with the aim of making our daily lives more seamless.”

On climate crisis, the vice-president said the challenges around the globe have prompted youthful innovators to engage in crafting solutions to solve these issues.

“This fervent commitment has resulted in the establishment of start-ups like the Climate Action Africa (CMA) Labs,” he added.

“It is a hub dedicated to addressing diverse challenges posed by climate change, including severe droughts, flooding, and the escalating agricultural complexities.”

Shettima warned that failure to form a global partnership could endanger the attainment of sustainable development goals.