Bangladesh will take over the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Tuesday, with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman assuming the post for a one-year term.
UNGA president-elect Khalilur is scheduled to attend a media briefing at 8:45pm Bangladesh time before taking the oath of office at 9:00pm.
He will later preside over the first plenary meeting of the 81st session at 1:00am on Wednesday, Bangladesh time.
Khalilur will succeed former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as president of the 193-member General Assembly.
His assumption of office will mark Bangladesh's return to the UNGA presidency after four decades. Former Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Choudhury was the first Bangladeshi to hold the position, presiding over the 41st session in 1986-87.
Khalilur was elected on June 2 in a secret ballot, receiving 99 votes against 91 secured by Cyprus candidate Andreas S Kakouris. The presidency was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group under the UN's regional rotation system.
Ahead of the new session, UN Secretary-General António Guterres met Khalilur at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday.
The United Nations office in Bangladesh congratulated Khalilur and extended its “warmest congratulations and best wishes” to the incoming UNGA president.
Khalilur's tenure comes as conflicts, climate emergencies, development setbacks and declining confidence in multilateralism continue to challenge the international system.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam earlier described his election as an “immensely proud moment” and a significant diplomatic achievement for Bangladesh.
“The election of our Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, as President of the United Nations General Assembly is a significant diplomatic achievement for the country,” she told BSS.
She said the presidency would enhance Bangladesh's global visibility and provide greater opportunities to raise issues of national importance at the multilateral level.
Shama also highlighted the Rohingya crisis, saying Bangladesh could use the position to keep the issue on the international agenda and seek stronger global support for a sustainable solution.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiyun Kobir said Khalilur's election showed Bangladesh's ability to play a constructive role in promoting international peace and stability, reports BSS.
Describing Bangladesh as a “soft power” and an “emerging tiger”, he said the country engages with the international community through cooperation, dialogue and goodwill.
Former ambassador to the United States M Humayun Kabir said the election reflected international confidence in Bangladesh at an important stage of its renewed democratic journey.
He said, however, that the UNGA president must act impartially and serve all 193 member states rather than represent the interests of any particular country.
In his acceptance speech, Khalilur acknowledged the challenges facing the international system and pledged to work with all member states to strengthen the UN's effectiveness, credibility and relevance.
His priorities include rebuilding trust in multilateralism, advancing international peace and security, accelerating sustainable development, protecting human rights, promoting the interests of women, girls and vulnerable countries, and improving UN peace operations.
His presidency will also coincide with the selection process for the next UN secretary-general, as Guterres' term is due to end on December 31, 2026.
A career diplomat and economist, Khalilur joined the Bangladesh Foreign Service in 1979 and later served in senior positions within the UN system in New York and Geneva, particularly under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to attend the high-level proceedings of the 81st UNGA later this month, when heads of state and government from around the world will gather in New York.