Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, has been elected President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. He secured 99 votes out of 190 cast, defeating his opponent from the Greek Cypriot community, who received 91 votes. Rahman will succeed Annalena Baerbock, the former Foreign Minister of Germany, in the role.
The veteran diplomat will assume the presidency of the General Assembly in September this year. The General Assembly is one of the United Nations’ principal organs, bringing together representatives from all 193 member states.
The current President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, congratulated Rahman on his election, stating that his extensive diplomatic experience could contribute significantly to strengthening international cooperation.
In his remarks following the election, Khalilur Rahman highlighted the decline in global confidence in the United Nations amid ongoing wars and international crises. He emphasized that conflict prevention and support for political solutions to global challenges would be among the key priorities of his tenure.
The incoming President also pledged to support United Nations peacekeeping operations and to promote greater participation and leadership opportunities for women across the organization.
António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also congratulated Rahman on his election, describing his political and diplomatic experience as a valuable asset to the success of the General Assembly. Guterres further commended Baerbock for her efforts in advancing women’s rights.
Rahman’s term will coincide with one of the most significant developments facing the United Nations: the process of selecting a successor to António Guterres, whose mandate is set to expire on 31 December 2026.
Khalilur Rahman brings more than four decades of experience in diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. He was appointed Foreign Minister of Bangladesh in February this year and previously served as the country’s National Security Adviser.
Since joining Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1979, Rahman has held numerous senior positions throughout his diplomatic career, including key assignments with the United Nations in both New York and Geneva.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
