UN General Assembly opens 81st session with focus on restoring trust

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was declared open on Tuesday at the UN headquarters in New York, with Khalilur Rahman assuming the presidency. Rahman took the oath of office and received the assembly's gavel at the closing session of the 80th UNGA earlier in the day.

In his opening address, Rahman acknowledged that he is taking on the role at a critical juncture for the world body. While noting that the UN has many achievements to celebrate as it enters its ninth decade, he pointed to grave challenges that persist.

"Conflicts continue to inflict immense human suffering. Development gains remain feeble and fragile. Climate impacts are intensifying. Together, these challenges have brought trust in multilateralism under tremendous strain," Rahman said.

He pledged to work tirelessly to revive trust in the organization, a commitment reflected in the session's theme: "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All." The session's work will focus on six priorities: strengthening peace and security, accelerating sustainable development, stepping up climate action, advancing human rights, ensuring technological transformation benefits everyone, and restoring trust in multilateralism.

Rahman also said he would support UN reform efforts and act as a bridge between member states and the Secretary-General. On the selection of the next UN chief, which began during the 80th session and will conclude in the current one, he promised a fair, inclusive, and transparent process in line with the UN Charter.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the assembly, stressed that the global problem-solving system is more vital than ever amid conflicts, divisions, nuclear escalation risks, persistent poverty, inequality, and worsening climate chaos. He noted that displacement is near record levels and that funding for aid and development is being cut, while multilateral institutions are struggling to respond. International law and human rights are often disregarded with impunity, and geopolitical mistrust continues to block effective solutions, he added.

Guterres expressed hope that under Rahman's leadership, the General Assembly can use diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration to rebuild the trust and good faith missing from today's geopolitics, ensuring a better, healthier, and more peaceful future for all.