Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has formally assumed the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York. Taking the oath following the close of the 80th session, Rahman presided over his first plenary meeting, launching a one-year tenure representing the Asia-Pacific Group.
Rahman secured the leadership in June after defeating Cyprus’s Andreas Kakouris by 99 votes to 91 in a secret-ballot election. Succeeding former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Rahman places Bangladesh at the helm of the 193-member body. UN Secretary-General António Guterres commended his chosen session theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”
Steering reforms through global rivalries
Rahman assumes office amidst deepening geopolitical divisions, armed conflicts, climate emergencies, and a profound crisis of confidence in multilateral institutions. Whilst the Assembly President does not head the UN, the role is pivotal for facilitating consensus, setting diplomatic priorities, and overseeing critical reform initiatives such as the UN80 process and the Pact for the Future.
Outgoing President Baerbock emphasised that the presidency has evolved beyond a procedural post, requiring active stewardship as core UN principles face unprecedented strains.
High-stakes agenda and successor selection
A central milestone during Rahman’s presidency will be managing the initial selection process for the next UN Secretary-General, as António Guterres’s term expires on 31 December 2026.
Following his election, supported by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the new President pledged to maintain geographical, gender, and linguistic balance within his office while prioritising smaller delegations. This landmark tenure puts Dhaka at the centre of global diplomacy, balancing major-power rivalries against the pressing needs of developing nations.
