Dr. Khalilur Assumes UNGA Presidency, Expresses Gratitude to PM Tarique Rahman

Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman has officially assumed office as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York. Expressing deep gratitude to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Bangladesh government for nominating him, Dr. Rahman pledged to discharge his duties with fairness, impartiality, and integrity while extending sincere appreciation to UN member states for supporting his leadership.

The 81st UNGA session officially commenced on Tuesday, September 8, marking the start of a critical diplomatic term. Delivering his opening address, Dr. Rahman called the presidency a profound honor and noted that global trust in multilateralism is currently facing severe tests. He emphasized that facilitating constructive dialogue, strengthening international cooperation, and finding common ground among member nations would be the principal focus of his presidency.

Reflecting on the organization’s legacy, Dr. Rahman highlighted the United Nations’ crucial contributions to global peace, human rights, and development over the past eight decades. Aligning with the session theme, ‘Rebuilding Trust, Managing Transformation: An Effective UN for All,’ he stressed the necessity of comprehensive structural reforms to make the organization more capable of confronting modern challenges like climate change, artificial intelligence, and rapid technological transition.

Dr. Rahman was elected President on June 2, securing 99 of 190 valid votes against Cypriot rival Andreas Kakouris. This landmark victory marks Bangladesh’s return to the UNGA presidency after nearly four decades, following Mr. Humayun Rasheed Choudhury’s presidency during the 41st session in 1986–87. Leveraging over 30 years of diplomatic experience, Dr. Rahman will steer the 193-member assembly through complex geopolitical and economic issues.