বুধবার, ০৩ জুন ২০২৬, ০৬:৩৮ অপরাহ্ন
DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) – President-elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dr Khalilur Rahman has pledged to rebuild trust, foster consensus among member states and advance reforms within the United Nations as he outlined an ambitious agenda for the forthcoming session of the world body.
Speaking after his election at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, the Bangladesh foreign minister said the 81st session would be a consequential one as the General Assembly would confront critical issues including UN reform, preparations for the next generation of the global development agenda and the transition in the leadership of the United Nations through the selection of the next secretary-general.
“Today, the Member States of the United Nations elected me as the President of the 81st Session of the Assembly. I have accepted the responsibilities with humility and respect,” he said in his first press statement following the election, according to the foreign ministry here.
Dr Khalilur said the Assembly would undertake its work at a time when the world is grappling with multiple crises, including climate change, geopolitical tensions, energy insecurity and widening development divides.
To address these challenges, he announced six priority areas that will guide his presidency.
The priorities include peace, security and justice; sustainable development and acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); climate resilience and environmental sustainability; human rights, humanitarian action, refugees and migrants; digital governance, artificial intelligence, science and technology; and renewed multilateralism, UN80 reforms and inclusive global governance.
The president-elect stressed the need for strengthening multilateral cooperation and restoring confidence among member states at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
“Following my election, I told the General Assembly that I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, and opening space for good faith negotiations that will lead to outcomes for all that are owned by all,” he said.
Emphasising his commitment to impartiality and inclusiveness, Dr Khalilur said he would uphold the UN Charter and conduct the work of the presidency in full accordance with the code of conduct governing the office.
“I will be the President of all Member States. I will engage all Member States in the course of my work,” he said, adding that he would not allow his personal views to interfere with his responsibilities as president of the Assembly.
The Bangladesh foreign minister also underscored the importance of finding common ground among nations despite their differences. “I will seek common ground without ignoring differences,” he said.
Dr Khalilur announced that his office would reflect geographical, gender and linguistic balance and revealed plans to establish a dedicated group within the Office of the President to address the needs of small delegations at the United Nations.
He also highlighted the need for adequate resources for the Office of the President and called on member states to contribute to the PGA Trust Fund.
“I called upon all Member States to contribute to the PGA Trust Fund to help carry out the work of the Office of the President,” he said, adding that he would work to ensure adequate long-term funding for a robust internship programme.
The president-elect said he viewed the work of the General Assembly presidency as a continuum rather than a one-off undertaking and pledged to carry forward important initiatives launched by the incumbent president.
Recognising the role of the media in strengthening public confidence in the United Nations, Dr Khalilur said the UN press corps would be a key partner in communicating the organisation’s achievements and impact.
“A principal way to advance public trust in our Organization is to tell our success stories to the peoples of the United Nations. The UN press corps is the best vehicle to accomplish this task,” he said.
He pledged to establish an effective communications team that would maintain regular engagement with journalists throughout his tenure.
Dr Khalilur was elected President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly after securing 99 votes against 91 received by Cyprus in a secret ballot held among 190 voting member states. He will assume office at UNGA in September.
DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) – Congratulations poured in from world leaders, foreign ministers and international organisations following the election of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), describing the victory as a recognition of Bangladesh’s growing global stature and commitment to multilateralism.
The United States, India, China, Pakistan, the Maldives and the African Union (AU) were among those who welcomed Dr Khalilur’s election to one of the most prestigious positions in the United Nations.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen congratulated Dr Khalilur on his election and expressed his best wishes for the successful conduct of the upcoming UNGA session.
“Congratulations Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on your election as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly,” the US envoy said in a message here.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also extended his congratulations, calling the election a significant achievement.
“Congratulations to FM Dr Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly,” Jaishankar said in a message posted on his verified X account.
He said he looked forward to working closely with Dr Khalilur to advance shared priorities and strengthen multilateral cooperation.
China described the election as a reflection of the international community’s confidence in Bangladesh and its constructive role in advancing multilateralism and international cooperation.
In a congratulatory message, the Chinese side said it hoped Dr Khalilur would unite all member states, uphold the principle of sovereign equality, defend international rule of law, promote dialogue and consultation, and strengthen the foundations of multilateralism.
China also reaffirmed its readiness to support the president-elect in carrying out his responsibilities.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar congratulated Dr Khalilur, expressing confidence in his leadership.
“Heartiest felicitations to my dear brother, H.E. Dr Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly,” Dar said in a post on X.
“Having had closely engaged with him, I am confident that his vast diplomatic experience and steadfast commitment to multilateralism will guide the Assembly with distinction,” he added.
Dar said he looked forward to continuing engagement with Bangladesh at the United Nations to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance shared global priorities, and promote dialogue, peace and sustainable development.
Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu described the election as a proud moment for Bangladesh and the wider region.
“I wish you every success in this important role,” President Muizzu said in a congratulatory message.
Expressing confidence in Dr Khalilur’s leadership, he said the General Assembly would continue to serve as a vital platform for all member states under his stewardship.
“This is indeed a proud moment for the people of Bangladesh and the wider region,” he added.
The African Union also congratulated Dr Khalilur, calling the election a major milestone for Bangladesh.
“The election of Dr Rahman is a major milestone for Bangladesh, allowing it to enhance its global presence among others,” the AU said in a message posted on X.
The continental body further noted Dr Khalilur’s significant contribution to shaping Bangladesh’s foreign policy.
Dr Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the UNGA in a secret-ballot election held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
Of the 190 votes cast, he secured 99 votes, defeating Cyprus’ candidate Andreas Kakouris, who received 91 votes.
The victory is being viewed as a landmark diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, reflecting the confidence of the international community in the country’s leadership and active engagement in multilateral diplomacy.
Dr Khalilur will assume the presidency when the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly opens in September this year.
DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) – The United States has congratulated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which will commence in September this year.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen extended his congratulations following the election held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
“Congratulations, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, on your election as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly,” the US envoy said in a message.
The 81st session of the UNGA is scheduled to open on September 8, while world leaders will gather at the UN Headquarters in New York two weeks later for the annual high-level debate.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman secured a historic victory in a secret-ballot election, defeating Cyprus’s candidate Andreas Kakouris.
Of the 190 ballots cast, Dr Khalilur received 99 votes, while Kakouris secured 91 votes. There were no invalid votes or abstentions.
The victory marks a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, reflecting the confidence of the international community in the country’s leadership and commitment to multilateral cooperation. Dr Khalilur will assume the presidency of the 81st UNGA session when it begins in September.
DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to multilateralism.
“Heartiest felicitations to my dear brother, H.E. Dr Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on his election as President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly,” Dar said in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
The Pakistani foreign minister said Dr Khalilur’s vast diplomatic experience and steadfast commitment to multilateralism would help guide the Assembly with distinction.
“Having had closely engaged with him, I am confident that his vast diplomatic experience and steadfast commitment to multilateralism will guide the Assembly with distinction,” he said.
Dar also expressed his eagerness to continue engagement with Bangladesh at the United Nations.
“I look forward to continuing our engagement at the United Nations and working together to strengthen multilateral cooperation, advance shared global priorities, and promote dialogue, peace, and sustainable development,” he added.
The Pakistani deputy prime minister wished Dr Khalilur every success in carrying out the important responsibility.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the UNGA after defeating Cyprus’ candidate in an election held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
Of the 190 votes cast in the secret-ballot election, Bangladesh secured 99 votes while Cyprus received 91.
The victory is being viewed as a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh, reflecting the confidence of the international community in the country’s leadership and engagement in multilateral affairs. Dr Khalilur Rahman will assume the presidency when the 81st session of the UN General Assembly begins in September this year.
DHAKA, June 3, 2026 (BSS) – Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has congratulated Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), describing it as a proud moment for Bangladesh and the wider region.
“I wish you every success in this important role,” President Muizzu said in a congratulatory message sent to Dr Khalilur following the election held at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.
Expressing confidence in the Bangladeshi foreign minister’s leadership, the Maldives president said the General Assembly would continue to serve as a vital platform for all member states under his stewardship.
“I am confident that under your able leadership, the General Assembly will continue to serve as a vital platform for all member states,” he said.
President Muizzu noted that the election marked a significant achievement not only for Bangladesh but also for the broader region.
“This is indeed a proud moment for the people of Bangladesh and the wider region,” he added.
Foreign Minister Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly after defeating the candidate of Cyprus in a closely contested election.
Of the 190 votes cast in the secret ballot, Bangladesh secured 99 votes while Cyprus received 91.
The election is being seen as a major diplomatic accomplishment for Bangladesh, reflecting the confidence of the international community in the country’s growing role and engagement in multilateral affairs.
Dr Khalilur is set to assume the presidency of the world’s most representative multilateral body at the opening of the 81st session of the General Assembly in September this year.
