UNGA Presidency
Bangladesh secures UNGA presidency as Dr. Khalilur Rhaman wins Global vote.
Bangladesh marks a major diplomatic milestone as Dr. Khalilur Rahman is elected President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
A diplomatic milestone for Bangladesh in the United Nations system.
The election of Dr. Khalilur Rahman to the presidency of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly places Bangladesh at the centre of a critical year for multilateral diplomacy, global governance, humanitarian responsibility and institutional reform.
UNGA Leadership
Bangladesh prepares to guide the work of the 193-member global forum during the 81st session.
Multilateral Trust
The article frames the election as recognition of Bangladesh’s constructive role in global affairs.
Humanitarian Agenda
Rohingya displacement, peacebuilding, climate justice and sustainable development remain central themes.
Bangladesh secures UNGA presidency as Dr. Khalilur Rhaman wins Global vote.
Bangladesh secures UNGA presidency as Dr. Khalilur Rhaman wins Global vote.
New York, June 2, 2026 — Bangladesh has secured a landmark diplomatic victory on the global stage as Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), becoming only the second Bangladeshi in history to lead the world’s foremost deliberative, policymaking, and representative body.
The election was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Tuesday, where Dr. Rahman emerged victorious in a closely contested race against Cyprus’s candidate, Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris, Special Envoy for Multilateral Affairs. Of the 190 member states participating in the vote, Dr. Rahman secured 99 votes, while his opponent received 91 votes, winning by a margin of eight votes.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in Bangladesh’s diplomatic history and reflects the growing confidence of the international community in the country’s leadership, commitment to multilateralism, and constructive role in global affairs.
Bangladesh last held the prestigious position in 1986, when former Foreign Minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury served as President of the 41st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Four decades later, Bangladesh has once again earned the opportunity to guide the work of the 193-member global forum.
Under the established regional rotation system of the United Nations, the presidency of the 81st session was allocated to the Asia-Pacific Group. Bangladesh nominated Dr. Khalilur Rahman, while Cyprus fielded Ambassador Kakouris, leading to a rare competitive election for the position.
Dr. Rahman will formally assume office in September 2026 at the commencement of the 81st session, succeeding the current President of the General Assembly and former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. His one-year tenure comes at a critical time as the United Nations faces growing geopolitical polarization, climate challenges, humanitarian crises, and the upcoming process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General.
During the interactive dialogues leading up to the election, Dr. Rahman pledged to serve as a “President for Everyone” and committed himself to rebuilding trust in multilateral cooperation. He emphasized the importance of inclusive diplomacy, ensuring greater participation of small and developing nations in global decision-making processes.
Among his key priorities are strengthening multilateralism, promoting conflict resolution and peacebuilding, advancing sustainable development, and drawing international attention to protracted humanitarian crises. He has also highlighted the need for greater global support for the more than 1.3 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people currently sheltered in Bangladesh.
A distinguished diplomat, economist, and international civil servant, Dr. Khalilur Rahman took office as Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister on February 17, 2026. Before that, he served as National Security Adviser and High Representative on Rohingya Affairs in the country’s Interim Government.
Dr. Rahman joined Bangladesh’s diplomatic service in 1979 after securing first place in the country’s first regular Bangladesh Civil Service examination. He graduated with First Class First in Economics from the University of Dhaka and later pursued higher education at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, earning advanced degrees in law, diplomacy, and economics, including a PhD in Economics.
Between 1983 and 1991, he served at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York. He represented Bangladesh in the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee and served as spokesperson for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
In 1991, Dr. Rahman joined the United Nations Secretariat as a Special Adviser to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. Over the next 25 years, he held several senior positions within the UN system in New York and Geneva and contributed extensively to many of the organization’s flagship publications.
Political leaders, diplomats, and policy experts have welcomed his election as a major achievement for Bangladesh and a testament to the country’s increasing influence in international diplomacy. Observers believe his leadership will help foster constructive dialogue on global peace, climate justice, sustainable development, humanitarian protection, and institutional reform within the United Nations system.
As Bangladesh prepares to assume the presidency of the General Assembly for the second time in its history, the election is being celebrated as a proud moment for the nation and a powerful recognition of its growing role in shaping global governance.
