Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has assumed the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), succeeding Germany's former foreign minister Annalena Baerbock. The swearing-in ceremony took place following the conclusion of the 80th session at UN Headquarters in New York, placing Bangladesh at the helm of the UN's principal deliberative body for the first time in four decades.
Dr Khalilur Rahman becomes the second Bangladeshi to hold this prestigious position, following former foreign minister Humayun Rasheed Choudhury, who presided over the 41st session in 1986-87. This transition underscores Bangladesh's growing international standing and diplomatic influence.
In a media briefing ahead of the ceremony, Khalilur outlined his vision and priorities for the upcoming session, which will be held under the theme 'Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.' His year-long stewardship will focus on addressing global challenges such as conflicts, climate emergencies, and development setbacks.
The election of Khalilur as UNGA president was secured on June 2 through a secret ballot, where he received 99 votes against 91 for Cyprus' candidate Andreas S Kakouris. The presidency was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group under the UN's established regional rotation system.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam described Khalilur's election as an 'immensely proud moment' and a significant diplomatic achievement reflecting Bangladesh's renewed international standing. She attributed the success partly to growing international confidence in Bangladesh following its return to elected democratic governance.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's nomination of Khalilur is said to have sent a strong message to the international community about Bangladesh's political stability and democratic credentials. The UNGA presidency is expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh's diplomatic visibility as Khalilur guides deliberations on pressing global challenges.
World leaders, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, are expected to gather at UN Headquarters later this month for the annual high-level General Debate, scheduled for September 22-28. This session will provide Bangladesh with an important opportunity to highlight its national interests, economic potential, and development priorities on the global stage.
