FM Khalilur Rahman begins journey as UNGA president

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman assumed the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) tonight (8 September), giving Bangladesh an opportunity to highlight its national interests, economic potential and development priorities on the global stage.

World leaders, including Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, are expected to gather at UN Headquarters in New York later in the month for the annual high-level general debate.

At the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, world leaders from 193 member states will convene to revitalise global cooperation, give a critical push to the Sustainable Development Goals and drive collective action for peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

At the General Debate (22 to 28 September), the annual meeting of heads of state and government at the beginning of the General Assembly session, world leaders make statements outlining their positions and priorities in the context of complex and interconnected global challenges, a senior official said.

Dr Khalilur will preside over the UN General Assembly's 81st session, under the theme of "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all."

He will serve as the president of the UN's highest representative and global multilateral forum for the next one year.

The closing ceremony of the 80th session of the UNGA and the formal swearing-in of the newly elected president of the 81st session were held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York tonight.

Before the swearing-in ceremony, Dr Khalilur participated in a media briefing and presented his views on the conduct of the activities of the United Nations General Assembly in the next session as president.

After the swearing-in, Dr Khalilur will preside over the first plenary meeting of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at 1am (tomorrow).

Ahead of the opening of the 81st session of the UNGA, UN Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday met with Dr Khalilur in New York.

United Nations in Bangladesh extended its warmest congratulations and best wishes to Dr Khalilur Rahman as he assumes this important global leadership role.

The election took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 2 June, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure.

In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the 81st session of the General Assembly was elected from the Asia-Pacific Group.

"The Charter of the United Nations begins with three simple words: 'We the peoples.' Not we the powerful. Not we the victorious. We the peoples – all of us – bound by a single conviction: that we are safer, stronger and more human when we stand together," said António Guterres.

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly will once again convene world leaders to revitalise global cooperation, give a critical push to the Sustainable Development Goals and drive collective action for peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet, said the UN headquarters.

Two key platforms will spotlight action and solutions: the flagship SDG Media Zone produced by the UN Department of Global Communications with dynamic interviews and panel discussions on SDG solutions held from 21 to 25 September; and the Goals Lounge, convened by the UN Deputy Secretary-General and hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships from 14 to 25 September, featuring unscripted dialogues, deep dives into vital issues and interactive experiences.