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Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria’s permanent representative at the United Nations and a University of Toronto alumnus, has been elected the next president of the UN General Assembly.

Muhammad-Bande, 61, who obtained his PhD in political science from U of T in 1987, will preside over the 74^th session of the UN, which starts in September, according to the Associated Press.

“Peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion will constitute a major priority of my presidency,” .

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed Muhammad-Bande’s vast experience in diplomacy and public administration, and noted his “invaluable insights” into the challenges faced by the UN in the realms of human rights, security and sustainable development.