China Invites Nigeria’s UN Envoy To Deliver Keynote At Global Maritime Workshop

Nigeria’s diplomatic profile has received another international recognition as the People’s Republic of China invited the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ibrahim Folorunsho Jimoh, to deliver the keynote address at a high-level global workshop on sustainable maritime development in Beijing.

The invitation was conveyed through an official diplomatic note from the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations to Nigeria’s Permanent Mission in New York.

According to a statement issued by the Office of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh will participate in the “China Practice Training Series of United Nations Sustainable Development: Workshop on High-Quality Development of Maritime Economy,” scheduled to take place in China from August 4 to 10, 2026.

China described the Nigerian envoy’s participation as a testament to the strengthening diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese Mission said Ambassador Jimoh was selected to deliver the opening keynote because of his extensive diplomatic experience and contributions to multilateral engagement.

His address is expected to centre on international collaboration in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular emphasis on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the role of global partnerships in promoting sustainable maritime economic development.

According to the Mission, the Nigerian diplomat’s insights are expected to enrich deliberations and contribute meaningfully to the success of the workshop.

The event will bring together diplomats, policymakers, maritime experts and development stakeholders from across the world to exchange ideas on fostering sustainable growth in the maritime sector and strengthening international cooperation in the blue economy.

Ambassador Jimoh’s participation comes as the administration of President Bola Tinubu continues to prioritise economic diplomacy and strategic international partnerships as key pillars of Nigeria’s foreign policy.

In recent years, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract foreign direct investment, deepen trade relations and expand collaboration in critical sectors such as the blue economy, infrastructure, energy, technology and maritime development.

The Beijing workshop is expected to provide another platform for Nigeria to showcase its economic reform agenda, maritime potential and investment opportunities to a global audience while reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.

The invitation is also being viewed as a recognition of Ambassador Jimoh’s diplomatic credentials and Nigeria’s growing influence in international affairs, further enhancing the country’s standing in global diplomacy and sustainable development initiatives.