Khalilur Rahman Begins Presidency of UN General Assembly

Dr. Khalilur Rahman formally opened the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at UN Headquarters in New York on September 8, 2026, at 3:00 PM local time, marking the start of his one-year term as president, which will conclude on September 7, 2027. He succeeds former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Prior to the session's opening, Dr. Rahman met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh issued a congratulatory message expressing support for his new role.

Dr. Rahman's election to the presidency followed a secret ballot held on June 2, where he received 99 votes against 91 for his opponent, Andreas Kakouris of Cyprus, from a total of 190 votes cast. His election is significant as it is the first time in nearly four decades that a Bangladeshi has led the General Assembly, the last being Humayun Rashid Choudhury during the 41st session from 1986 to 1987.