Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session on Tuesday after defeating Andreas Kakouris of Cyprus in a closely contested vote, positioning himself to steer the world body through a pivotal year marked by intensifying global crises, UN reform efforts and major leadership transitions. 

In a secret-ballot election, Rahman secured 99 votes to Kakouris’s 91. A total of 190 ballots were cast, with no invalid votes or abstentions.

The presidency rotates among the UN’s five regional groups, and the 81st session falls to the Asia-Pacific group. Rahman will serve a one-year term starting on 8 September.  

His presidency will coincide with one of the most consequential processes on the UN calendar: the selection of Secretary-General António Guterres’s successor, whose term ends on 31 December 2026.

Rahman brings more than four decades of diplomatic and multilateral experience to the role. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister since February, he previously served as National Security Adviser and High Representative on the Rohingya Issue.  

A career diplomat, he joined Bangladesh’s foreign service in 1979. He also held senior UN positions in New York and Geneva.

Accepting the position, Rahman said he was taking on the role “with humility and respect” at a moment when confidence in the international system was under strain.

“The UN will commence its ninth decade at a time when trust in our organization is being tested on multiple fronts,” he told Member States.

“Taken together, these challenges tend to undermine the public trust and confidence in the ability of our organization to deliver its promises.”

Rahman said his presidency would focus on six broad priorities: peace and security; accelerating progress on the SDGs; climate action and environmental protection; human rights; governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and UN reform.

Drawing on Bangladesh’s experience in peacekeeping, he pledged to support preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding and civilian protection.

He also highlighted the need to address development financing gaps, advance implementation of the Global Digital Compact and strengthen the UN’s effectiveness at a time of growing pressure on multilateral institutions.

The election comes amid what the current General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described as an exceptionally difficult period for multilateral diplomacy.

Addressing Member States after the vote, Baerbock said the UN was facing “not only headwinds, but immense pressure,” with consensus increasingly difficult to achieve and defence of the UN Charter becoming “a daily necessity.”

“The role of the president of the General Assembly is no longer simply procedural,” she said.

The General Assembly is the UN’s most representative body, bringing together all 193 Member States, each with one vote. While its resolutions are generally not legally binding, the Assembly serves as the principal forum for international deliberation on peace and security, development, human rights and international law.

The 81st session will open on 8 September, with world leaders gathering two weeks later for the annual high-level debate at UN Headquarters in New York. (UN)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has engaged in a cordial conversation with the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, on the sidelines of a special dinner reception hosted by the US President. 

In a statement, President Dissanayake said he had attended the special dinner reception hosted by President Donald Trump at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Tuesday (23). 

He further said the special dinner reception was held for the heads of state who had arrived in New York to participate in the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. (Newswire)

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Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath has met several foreign state officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) underway in the United States of America (USA).

Minister Vijitha Herath met US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on Tuesday.

According to the minister, constructive discussions were held on strengthening bilateral cooperation and shared priorities.

Earlier in the day, Minister Vijitha Herath also met the Minister of External Affairs of India, S. Jaishankar. 

According to the minister, the discussion focused on reaffirming the strong friendship and close cooperation between Sri Lanka and India.

Minister Vijitha Herath has accompanied President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. (Newswire)

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The leaders of six countries, including France, have moved to recognise Palestinian statehood at a high-level summit ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York.

Alongside France, which co-convened the meeting with Saudi Arabia on Monday in New York, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco said they were recognising a Palestinian state.

Leaders from Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom, which formally made the move to recognise Palestine a day earlier, also spoke at the meeting.

“We have gathered here because the time has come,” Macron said at the summit convened to revive the long-delayed two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“It falls on us, this responsibility, to do everything in our power to preserve the possibility of a two-state solution,” Macron said.

“Today, I declare that France recognises the state of Palestine,” he said.

The additional countries recognising Palestine now join some 147 of the 193 UN member states that had already formally recognised Palestinian statehood as of April this year.

With more than 80 percent of the international community now recognising the state of Palestine, diplomatic pressure has ramped up on Israel as it continues its genocidal war on Gaza, where more than 65,300 Palestinians have been killed and the enclave has been turned into rubble.

Spain, Norway and Ireland recognised Palestinian statehood last year, with Madrid also imposing sanctions on Israel for its war on Gaza.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told the summit on Monday that a two-state solution was not possible “when the population of one of those two states is the victim of a genocide”.

“The Palestinian people are being annihilated, [so] in the name of reason, in the name of international law and in the name of human dignity, we have to stop this slaughter,” Sanchez said.

Macron, in his speech to the summit, also outlined a framework for the creation of a “renewed Palestinian Authority”. The post-war framework envisages an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) that would assist in preparing the Palestinian Authority (PA) to take over governance in Gaza.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas commended the countries that had recognised Palestine. He made his statement to the conference by video because he was denied a visa by the administration of US President Donald Trump to attend the UNGA this week.

“We call on those that have not yet done so to do so to follow suit”, Abbas said, adding that the PA also demanded “support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations”.

Israel and the US, which are becoming increasingly isolated internationally on the issue, boycotted the summit, with Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, describing the event as a “circus”.

Although the vast majority of UN member states now recognise Palestinian statehood, new UN member states must have the support of the UN Security Council, where the US has used its veto to block Palestine from becoming a full UN member state.

‘A right, not a reward’

Speaking at the summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his support for the two-state solution, framing it as the only viable path towards peace after years of failed negotiations and ongoing violence.

Guterres said that statehood for Palestinians “is a right, not a reward”, rejecting US and Israeli claims that it was a reward for Hamas.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, thanked Macron and the UN chief for their efforts towards a two-state solution, which he said is “the only way to achieve just and lasting peace”.

He said the conference comes at a time when “the Israeli occupation authorities continue their aggression and their brutal crimes” against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel also continues its “violations in the West Bank, and its repeated attacks on Arab and Muslim countries, with the most recent attack on Qatar”, he said.

“These actions underline Israel’s insistence on continuing aggressive practices that threaten regional and international peace and stability and undermine efforts of peace in the region,” he added.

The US, Israel’s closest ally, has criticised Western governments for their recognition of Palestine, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier saying that the move will “embolden [Hamas]” and make it harder to end the war.

On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump believes the countries’ recognition of Palestine “is a reward to Hamas”. (Al Jazeera)

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United Nations General Assembly President Dennis Francis visited Jaipur Foot Centre in Rajasthan on Wednesday and emphasised that it is an example of Indian ingenuity and a pinnacle of innovation that restores hope.

Sharing a post on social media ‘X’, UNGA President Francis highlighted his visit to the Jaipur Foot Centre, an organisation specialised in providing affordable and accessible prosthetic limbs to millions.

“A gift to India & to the world! Uplifted by my visit to the Jaipur Foot centre in Rajasthan, an organisation specialized at providing affordable & accessible prosthetic limbs to millions. An example of Indian ingenuity and a pinnacle of innovation that restores hope & dignity,” he stated on X.

Moreover, in his post, he also shared a video glimpse of his visit, in which he saw how these prosthetic limbs work and how they are made.

Earlier on Tuesday, he saw the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

In a post on X, the UNGA President Dennis Francis wrote, “Incredible India! Wonderful and memorable experience to visit @UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jaipur, Rajasthan”.

“A great testament of the richness and sophistication of the Indian civilization,” Francis said as he posted pictures of himself visiting the picturesque locations.

Francis arrived in New Delhi on a five-day visit during which he would focus on advancing India-UN ties.

The theme of his presidency of the 78th UNGA is ‘Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity’.

On his arrival on Monday morning, Francis expressed his happiness amid the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, saying he was looking forward to discussing the peace and progress of the country.

Notably, Dennis Francis is visiting India from January 22-26 at the invitation of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar.

Francis on Monday paid a ‘solemn tribute’ to the ‘Father of the Nation’ at his final resting place, Rajghat, in Delhi.

India’s permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, was also present as the UNGA president laid floral tributes at the Mahatma’s memorial. (ANI)

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President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis, acknowledged India’s significant role in the United Nations, describing it as a “mature, highly respected member” and a leader in various aspects.

He also expressed optimism about India’s potential to secure a permanent seat on the Security Council, recognising the nation’s credibility and influence within the General Assembly.

The UNGA President was addressing a press conference in the national capital on Wednesday when he was questioned on the world’s largest democracy’s absence from the security council.

Francis expressed concerns about the outdated structure of the Security Council, which he believes fails to reflect the current geopolitical realities.

“The Security Council of the UN as it currently exists harks back to a period in world history that no longer exists. Since then, the world has changed radically,” remarked Francis, highlighting the council’s inability to make crucial decisions for international peace and security, often due to geopolitical influences leading to the use of the veto.

“The fact of the matter is that the council has, in recent years, been progressively unable to take the decisions necessary in order to assist and support the strengthening of international peace and security. Largely for geopolitical reasons. The geopolitics, the global dynamics of the geopolitics, get imported into the council and that results invariably in the use of the veto by one or the other party,” he added.

On India’s inclusion in the UNSC, the UNGA President said, “India is a mature, highly respected member of the United Nations. It is a leader in many ways. And I’m sure that that fact is not lost on the members of the General Assembly.”

“So I wish the government and people of India every success in their quest to assume membership of the council on a permanent basis. Whether that occurs or not will be a matter for the members to determine,” he also said

India has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation’s quest has gained momentum with support from influential figures like Dennis Francis, who believes in India’s capability to contribute positively to global peace and security.

India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for eight terms (16 years). India is a member of the G4, a group of nations that back each other to seek permanent membership in the UNSC. The countries advocate for reform in the UNSC.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his France visit in July 2023, made a strong pitch for India’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council, saying the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and the largest democracy is not a permanent member. (ANI)

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe has engaged in discussions with several foreign dignitaries on the side-lines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York yesterday (20).

Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss vital economic matters.

During the meeting, Ms. Georgieva and President Wickremesinghe delved into the ongoing financial sector reforms and the substantial progress made in debt restructuring initiatives. The IMF Managing Director commended the Sri Lankan government for its effective measures in curbing inflation and nurturing a conducive environment for business growth, as well as the flourishing tourism industry. She expressed her satisfaction with the government’s commitment to enhancing the overall economic landscape.

In a significant diplomatic meeting, Baroness Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, engaged in a productive discussion with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The discussions between President Wickremesinghe and Secretary General Scotland revolved around crucial aspects of the ongoing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Commonwealth Secretariat. They also delved into the implementation of decisions made by leaders during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held last year in Rwanda. A key focal point of their exchange was the pressing issue of climate change and the challenges associated with climate financing, especially for developing nations. Secretary General Scotland also briefed President Wickremesinghe on the progress of the Marlborough House Dialogue, an initiative aimed at engaging with the Diaspora community. This dialogue seeks to foster connections and collaboration with Sri Lanka’s global Diaspora for mutual benefit.

Also, President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, during which he referred to the longstanding close cooperation with Iran and the mutual support extended by both countries to each other over the years. 

President Wickremesinghe conveyed appreciation for the assistance during the recent economic crisis. President Raisi stated that both countries need to build on their traditional friendship by identifying new pathways to further expand cooperation. He stated that there is potential to increase economic cooperation and proposed early convening of the Joint Economic Commission. The prospects for cooperation in the agriculture sector, particularly introducing modern technology in which area Iran has considerable expertise, was also discussed. The two leaders recognized that as countries belonging to the same region there is potential for regional cooperation in a range of areas of mutual interest including as members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The President referred to the cooperation with Iran in the power and energy sector particularly the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project. 

In this context, President Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Sri Lanka and ceremonially open the Uma Oya Hydro Power Station. President Raisi accepted the invitation and also extended an invitation to President Wickremesinghe to visit Iran. Both leaders agreed that these high level visits would give impetus to further consolidate bilateral ties. 

Meanwhile, Malaysia has extended a formal invitation to the President for a state visit to the country. An official invitation for President Ranil Wickremesinghe to undertake a State Visit has been extended by His Majesty, the King of Malaysia. 

The President has graciously accepted this invitation and has expressed his intent to schedule the visit during the early months of the upcoming year, specifically in either January or February.

The King’s invitation was personally conveyed by the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during bilateral discussions during which the Malaysian Prime Minister expressed a strong desire to bolster economic ties between the two nations. He emphasised Malaysia’s eagerness to facilitate increased investments from Malaysian companies in Sri Lanka. In a promising move, the Malaysian Prime Minister also expressed positivity towards Sri Lanka’s request to commence negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, which could potentially open up new avenues for trade and economic cooperation. Furthermore, it was revealed that the Malaysian Foreign Minister is set to attend the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting in Colombo next month, underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to regional cooperation and engagement. In a gesture of solidarity and collaboration, Malaysia has agreed to support Sri Lanka’s application to become a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a major regional trade agreement. (NewsWire)

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