The United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) in Nigeria have convened a strategic partnership meeting to strengthen collaboration and improve efficiency and coordination in delivering on shared priorities in support of Nigeria.

Convened by the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ambassador Gautier Mignot, and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, the meeting was attended by Ambassadors of the EU Member States in Nigeria and Heads of UN Agencies in the country.

“In a fast-evolving world, where multilateralism is challenged, the EU-UN partnership is more relevant than ever. For Nigeria and many other countries in the world, this partnership is a strong and reliable source of financial and technical support, respectful of national sovereignty and oriented towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals.” Ambassador Mignot said.

He assured that: “Together with its Member States, as “Team Europe”, and in particular through the Global Gateway strategy, the EU Delegation in Nigeria will continue to work hand in hand with UN agencies to help create socio-economic opportunities, especially for the most vulnerable.”

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, noted that advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) required robust partnerships and strong institutions.

“In this context, the strategic UN-EU partnership—both globally and in-country—has become even more vital for delivering on our shared priorities. As both institutions undergo transformations—the EU through its Global Gateway Strategy and Team Europe initiative, and the UN Development System through enhanced efficiency, impact, and coherence—this meeting provides a timely opportunity to deepen our collaboration.” He said.

Fall observed, “In this challenging funding and political environment, we believe there is an opportunity—a necessary wake-up call for multilateralism and international solidarity.”

The Resident Coordinator, therefore, assured that the “UN is committed to working alongside the Nigerian government and the EU to manage this transition and deliver on the promise of the UN reform agenda.”