Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman Elected UNGA President
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, defeating Cyprus candidate Andreas S. Kakouris in a closely contested vote at UN headquarters in New York.
Khalilur Rahman Wins UNGA Presidency
Rahman secured 99 votes, while Kakouris received 91 votes in the secret-ballot election. Three countries abstained. He will take charge when the 81st session of the UN General Assembly opens in September 2026.
The post rotates among regional groups, and the 81st session presidency was allocated to the Asia-Pacific group. Rahman will succeed current General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock of Germany.
Bangladesh Returns To UNGA Leadership
The election marks Bangladesh’s return to the UNGA presidency after nearly four decades. Bangladesh last held the position in 1986-87, when Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury served as President of the 41st session.
Rahman’s election is being viewed as a diplomatic milestone for Bangladesh, giving the country a visible role in global multilateral discussions during a period of conflict, institutional pressure and calls for UN reform.
UN General Assembly Role And Priorities
The President of the General Assembly leads meetings of the 193-member body and helps shape discussions on global peace, development, human rights and international cooperation.
Rahman said the UN faces major tests of credibility and trust. His term is expected to focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation, advancing development goals and supporting dialogue at a time of deep global divisions.
