Dr Khalil launches campaign for 81st UNGA presidency

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has joined the informal interactive dialogue as part of the election process for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The election for the presidency of the 81st UNGA session will be held on June 2 at the General Assembly Hall at the UN headquarters, in line with Rule 30 of the Rules of Procedure.

President of the 80th session of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock convened informal interactive dialogues with the candidates for the presidency on Wednesday. The event was broadcast live on UN WebTV, the Foreign Ministry said.

"I am convinced that our world now needs a more effective and responsive multilateralism. By working together, we can build a more robust multilateral system that commands the trust of member states and delivers tangible benefits for all," the foreign minister said in his vision statement.

He said he believes he has the knowledge, experience and leadership capabilities required to effectively lead the General Assembly toward that goal.

Khalilur Rahman is a candidate from the Asia-Pacific region with more than 30 years of experience at the United Nations, both as Bangladesh's representative to the General Assembly and as a senior official at the UN Secretariat in New York and at UNCTAD in Geneva.

Over the years, he has participated in 16 UNGA sessions, engaging directly in negotiations, high-level meetings and follow-up processes.

In Resolution 71/323, titled "Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly," the Assembly called on candidates for the presidency to present vision statements and participate in informal interactive dialogues with member states to enhance transparency and inclusiveness in the process.

Civil society organisations and individuals also took part in the dialogues by submitting questions to the candidates, either in person or through video messages.

Throughout his career, Khalilur Rahman has worked extensively on development issues affecting the Global South, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).