Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations General Assembly opened its 81st session at UN Headquarters, with incoming president Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh receiving the iconic Icelandic wooden gavel from outgoing president Annalesa Baerbock. Rahman pledged to restore public trust in the institution amid ongoing global crises.
Mr. Rahman outlined the session's theme as "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all," emphasizing the need for the UN to evolve and include voices from civil society. His priorities include promoting peace and justice, accelerating Sustainable Development Goals, enhancing climate resilience, defending human rights and humanitarian action, fostering digital governance and AI inclusion, and renewing global governance.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the previous Assembly president and welcomed Mr. Rahman's leadership, noting ongoing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, nuclear risks, poverty, inequality, and climate challenges. He stressed that rebuilding trust in the multilateral system is a defining challenge and highlighted the key role of the General Assembly in global problem-solving.
The Secretary-General also pointed to the upcoming selection of the next UN chief for January 2027 and noted that multilateral institutions are struggling to meet current global demands. He underscored frequent violations of international law and human rights, and how geopolitical mistrust hinders effective solutions and erodes confidence in international cooperation.
Both leaders called for a renewed, inclusive United Nations capable of addressing present and future challenges and reinforcing its role in global peace and sustainable development.