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UN General Assembly president‑elect Kalalur Rahman outlines six priorities for 80th session
Summary
Kalalur Rahman, president‑elect of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, pledged to focus on six priorities — including SDG acceleration, climate resilience and digital governance — and called on member states to fund the PGA trust fund; he did not take questions due to scheduling.
Kalalur Rahman, president‑elect of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, delivered brief remarks following his election and outlined six priorities he said will guide the upcoming session. He did not take questions because of scheduling constraints.
Rahman said he accepted the responsibilities of the presidency "with humility and respect" and described the forthcoming session as "consequential," pointing to UN reform, preparations for the selection of the next secretary‑general and urgent global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, energy and security, and widening development divides.
His agenda, drawn from a vision statement he referenced, centers on six priorities: peace, security and justice; sustainable development and SDG acceleration; climate resilience and environmental sustainability; human rights, humanitarian action, refugees and migrants; digital governance, artificial intelligence, science and technology; and renewed multilateralism, UN reforms and inclusive global governance. "I'll be the president of all member states," Rahman said, adding that he will "seek common ground without ignoring differences."
Rahman pledged to "uphold the UN Charter" and to conduct the presidency in accordance with the president's code of conduct. He said he will organize his office to reflect geographical, gender and linguistic balance and will create a group within the president's office to serve the needs of small delegations as an early priority.
He said he will consult with the secretary‑general on the organization and resources for the office of the president and asked member states to contribute to the PGA trust fund "to help carry out the work of the office more effectively." Rahman also urged support for long‑term funding for a robust internship program.
On communications, he said the press corps is "the best vehicle" to tell the United Nations' success stories and that he plans to set up an effective communications team and keep the office "in constant contact" with the media. The moderator who introduced him noted Rahman would deliver brief remarks and would not take questions at this time for scheduling reasons. Rahman concluded by thanking the assembly and attendees.
