Khalilur elected UNGA president

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) at UN headquarters in New York.

In yesterday’s election, he secured 99 votes from the 193 UN member states, defeating Cyprus’ candidate, Ambassador Andreas S Kakouris, who received 91 votes.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated him on the victory, saying the achievement reflects Bangladesh’s growing contribution and credibility on the global stage.

“We believe he will proudly represent Bangladesh and forge connectivity, dialogue, and cooperation in addressing multilateral, shared challenges. We wish him every success in this new responsibility,” he said in a Facebook post last night.

Khalilur, in his address after the election, pledged to strengthen effective multilateralism, safeguard the interests of developing countries and enhance international cooperation for climate-vulnerable states in his tenure.

He also pledged to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, support UN peacekeeping efforts, and amplify the voice of the Global South.

Bangladesh formally announced its candidature for the UNGA presidency in 2020, but nominated Khalilur as its candidate only on February 27 this year.

Bangladesh last held the post in 1986-87, when then foreign minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury was elected president of the 41st General Assembly.

A statement from the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN in New York said the “landmark victory is a strong testament to the confidence and trust that the international community places in Bangladesh, as well as to the country’s growing diplomatic stature and constructive engagement within the multilateral system.”

This is a recognition of Bangladesh’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security, sustainable development, and global cooperation, it added.