UNGA President Khalilur Rahman Vows Open, Inclusive Presidency

File photo of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman. Photo: Collected

President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday pledged to maintain an open and inclusive presidency, working closely with member states and the media to address challenges facing the United Nations and multilateralism.

Taking charge as UNGA president, Rahman said the United Nations and multilateralism are being tested in unprecedented ways, but emerging technologies and artificial intelligence governance also present new opportunities.

“The UN, multilateralism as a whole, is being tested in ways we have never seen before,” he told reporters in New York after assuming office.

Despite the challenges, he said, “we have opportunities that we hadn't before.”

Rahman, who first came to the United Nations as a delegate in 1985, said he would place a “high premium on cooperation and dialogue” during his presidency.

He acknowledged that not all issues could be resolved quickly or amicably, but said disagreements should not prevent member states from finding common ground wherever possible.

“I will continuously try to do” so, he said.

Rahman also pledged to maintain an open relationship with journalists, saying he would regularly engage with the media and seek their views rather than treating press briefings as one-way exchanges.

“I’ll work very closely with you. This is my style back home. I work openly with the media. And this will be no different,” he said.

He urged journalists to make their interaction with the presidency “two-way traffic.”

‘The organisation is larger than the member states’

Rahman placed particular emphasis on the opening words of the UN Charter — “We the peoples of the United Nations” — saying the organisation should not be viewed as being limited to its member states.

“Unlocking the UN will be something that I will try to pursue during my presidency,” he said.

Asked about the representation of stateless communities such as the Rohingyas, Rahman said he would continue bringing their voices to the United Nations.

Referring to his previous role as Bangladesh’s high representative on the Rohingya issue, he recalled visiting refugee camps and witnessing their desire to return home.

“I’ve seen up close the distress. They’re yearning to go back home,” he said.

Rahman said he would continue raising the concerns of the Rohingya at the United Nations.

‘We must make the United Nations fit for the future’

Rahman said his campaign theme was “restoring trust, managing transformation”, but added a new priority after assuming office: making the United Nations “fit for the future”.

“This must be a place where countries can once again say and vote yes to the UN — with confidence and with enthusiasm,” he said.

On UN reform, he said the process must go beyond marginal or cosmetic changes and help restore public confidence in the organisation.

“The reforms must be meaningful,” he said.

“We have a situation where trust is in deficit, and the organisation must undertake deeper reform in order to make it fit for future, not only today, for tomorrow,” Rahman added.

“This is not 1945. This is the 81st session. So the world has moved on, the organisation must move on,” he said.

He also welcomed the UN secretary-general’s proposals and efforts on UN reform, saying the process would continue under his presidency.

‘I will be a president for all countries’

Rahman assured member states that he would serve all countries regardless of how they voted in his election.

“Throughout my campaign, I said that if elected, I’ll be the president for every country, irrespective of whether they voted me or not,” he said.

He said his presidency would remain firmly anchored in the UN Charter and the mandates given by member states.

Rahman also stressed that member states should work together to resolve critical issues through dialogue rather than other means.

“I believe that my job will be much easier if member states work together,” he said.

Security Council reform, AI and next secretary-general

Asked about Security Council reform, Rahman said he would continue supporting the ongoing reform process while emphasising the need for meaningful change.

He said his long experience at the UN, both as a delegate and a staff member, had given him a broad perspective on the organisation.

“I’ve seen this organisation as a delegate. I have seen this as a staff member. So I’ve seen it from probably, I should say, 360 degrees,” he said.

On the selection of the next UN secretary-general, Rahman said he would strictly follow the UN Charter, under which the Security Council recommends a candidate and the General Assembly appoints the secretary-general.

He said he would work closely with member states and the Security Council president to ensure a smooth and timely transition.

On artificial intelligence and new technologies, Rahman said the UN has an important role to play in AI governance and in harnessing the opportunities created by technological change.

He also said he wanted world leaders attending the upcoming high-level week to recommit themselves to development, people’s well-being and human rights.

The presidency, he said, would identify areas from leaders’ statements that could form a common agenda.

‘My doors will be open’

In his oath of office, Rahman pledged to perform his duties “in all loyalty, discretion, and conscience” and to act solely in the interests of the United Nations.

He vowed to act in accordance with the UN Charter and the Code of Ethics for the President of the General Assembly and not to seek or accept instructions from any government or outside source while carrying out his responsibilities.

“I shall discharge these functions and regulate my conduct with the interests of the United Nations only in view,” he said.

At the end of his interaction with reporters, Rahman reiterated his commitment to maintaining an open presidency.

“One thing I’m telling you, my doors will be open, and please keep your doors open,” he said.

“If not windows open, and we’ll always be in touch with each other,” he added.

Rahman formally assumed office as president of the 81st session at UN Headquarters in New York, succeeding his predecessor, whom he commended for leading a difficult General Assembly session in a productive manner.