Bangladeshi Diplomat and Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman was on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 elected President of the United Nations General Assembly after he defeated Andreas Kakouri of Cyprus in a closely contested voting process, positioning himself to steer the world’s body through a pivotal year marks by intensifying global and major leadership transitions.
Mr. Rahman through a secret – ballot election secured 99 votes to defeat closest rival, Mr. Kakouri who polled 91 votes from a total of 190 ballots cast, with no valid votes or abstentions.
The United Nations General Assembly Presidency rotates among the United Nations’s five regional groups, and 81st session falls to Asia – Pacific group.
Mr. Rahman Khalilur will serve a year term commencing from 8 September. His presidency will coincide with one of the most consequential processes on the UN Calendar, the selection of Secretary – General Antonio Guiterres’s successor, whose term ends on 31st December 2026.
Mr. Rahman the newly elected President of the General Assembly brings more than four decades of diplomatic and multilateral experience to his new role.
He was Bangladeshi’s Foreign Minister since February, he previously served as National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya issue. A career diplomat, he joined the Bangladeshi’s foreign service in 1979. He also held senior UN position in New York and Geneva.
Accepting his position, Mr Rahman said he was taken on the role “with humility and respect” at a moment when confident in the international system was under strain.
” The United Nations will commence its ninth decade at a time when trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts,” he told Member States.
“Taken together, these challenges tend to undermining the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver on its promises.
Mr. Rahman, the President – elect said his presidency would focus on six broad priorities: peace and security, accelerating progress on the SDGS; Climate action and environmental protection, human rights; governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and UN reform.
Drawing on Bangladesh’s experience in peacekeeping, he pledged to support preventive diplomacy, peace – building and civilian protection.
He also highlighted the need to address development financial gaps, advance implementation of the Global Digital Compact and strengthen the United Nations effectiveness at a time of growing pressure on multilateral institutions.
The President – elect said he intends to act as a bridge – builder, promising to engage all Member States and seek common ground despite growing divisions: “As your President, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding trust, nurturing consensus, and opening space for good faith negotiations that lead to outcomes for all that are owned by all,” he said.
He also pledged to uphold the UN Charter, maintain geographical and gender balance within his office and support the needs of smaller delegations.
The General Assembly is the UN’s most representative body, bringing all 193 Member States, each with one vote.
While its resolutions are not legally binding, the Assembly serves as the Principal Forum for International deliberation on peace and security, development, human rights and international law.
The 81st session will open on 8 September, with world leaders gathering two weeks later for the annual high – level debate at United Nations Headquarters, in New York.
Mr. Rahman’s overarching theme for the session is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”
Source : UN News
