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NEW YORK, Sept 22: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday joined the opening session of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The prime minister, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, attended the opening proceedings at around 9:00am local time. He was formally welcomed upon arrival at the venue before joining other heads of state and government at the high-level gathering.
Earlier, Tarique Rahman attended a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of delegation and their spouses. The prime minister and his wife also joined other world leaders and their spouses for a photo session with Guterres and his wife and exchanged greetings with them.
At the General Assembly Hall, the Bangladeshi delegation was seated in the front row. Upon entering the hall, the prime minister greeted Dr Khalilur Rahman, president of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, before taking his seat.
Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s foreign minister, was elected president of the 81st UNGA session on June 2. He is the second Bangladeshi to hold the presidency of the 193-member General Assembly, following former foreign minister Humayun Rashid Choudhury, who presided over the 41st session in 1986-87.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered the opening remarks as the high-level General Debate got underway. The 81st session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
The General Debate began on Tuesday, with leaders expected to discuss major international issues, including conflicts, climate change, sustainable development and international cooperation.
Tarique Rahman is scheduled to deliver Bangladesh’s national statement at the General Assembly on September 24, marking his first address to the UNGA as prime minister. He is expected to outline Bangladesh’s vision, national interests and priorities before the international community.
During his brief New York visit, the prime minister is also scheduled to hold a number of bilateral meetings and high-level engagements with heads of government and representatives of international organisations.
