The United Nations General Assembly has opened its 81st session at UN Headquarters, with its incoming president placing the restoration of trust in multilateral institutions at the centre of the new session.
Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh took over the presidency from Annalena Baerbock as the Assembly began a year expected to confront wars, humanitarian emergencies, climate pressures, inequality and growing geopolitical divisions.
Rahman set the theme for the session as “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Secretary-General António Guterres said rebuilding trust in the multilateral system is the defining challenge of our time, and warned that international institutions are struggling to respond effectively as international law and human rights are increasingly challenged.
The new session will also oversee the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General, who is expected to begin a term in January 2027.
The opening places multilateral reform, sustainable development, humanitarian challenges and international cooperation among the major issues facing Member States during the coming year.