Published：Jun 2, 15:27Last updated：Jun 3, 05:00

Bangladesh's Khalil Rahman Elected UNGA President

Jun. 2, 2026 15:27

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalil Rahman was elected as the 81st President of the UN General Assembly on June 2. He will assume office in September for a one-year term. The election took place at the UN headquarters in New York.

Summarized

10News

9Media

Jun. 3, 2026 04:06

On June 3, 2026, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman won the UN General Assembly presidency in a close vote against Cyprus' Ambassador Andreas Kakouris. Rahman secured 99 votes to Kakouris' 91, with three abstentions. He will succeed Germany's Annalena Baerbock in September. The presidency rotates regionally, with this year's slot going to the Asia-Pacific region.

Jun. 3, 2026 05:00

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalil Rahman was elected as the 81st President of the UN General Assembly with 99 votes. He will succeed Anna Lena Baerbock, whose term ends in September. Rahman acknowledged the challenges facing the UN, including conflicts, fragile global development, and financial pressures. He emphasized the need for collective action to address these issues. Rahman has a long career in diplomacy, including roles at the UN and as Bangladesh's Foreign Minister.

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalil Rahman has been elected as the 81st President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the nation. Rahman secured 99 votes in a closely contested election against Cyprus' Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, who received 91 votes. He will assume office in September 2026, succeeding Germany's Annalena Baerbock, whose term concludes this year. The election took place at the UN headquarters in New York on June 2, 2026, with Rahman emphasizing impartiality and inclusivity in his leadership approach.Huanqiu+2

🌍 Regional Representation

The UNGA presidency rotates among regional groups, and this year's slot was allocated to the Asia-Pacific region. Rahman's election highlights Bangladesh's growing influence in global diplomacy and its commitment to representing developing nations. His victory underscores the importance of regional representation in international leadership roles.Asahi Shimbun+1

🗳️ Election Dynamics

The election was marked by a competitive race between Rahman and Cyprus' Andreas Kakouris. Rahman secured 99 votes, while Kakouris received 91, with three abstentions. This close margin reflects the diverse interests and priorities of the 193-member General Assembly. Rahman's diplomatic experience, including his roles in Bangladesh's foreign ministry and at the UN, played a crucial role in his victory.Toronto Star+1

🎯 Leadership Priorities

In his acceptance speech, Rahman acknowledged the challenges facing the UN, including global conflicts, fragile development, and financial pressures. He emphasized the need for collective action to address these issues and pledged to balance the diverse interests of member states. Rahman's leadership will focus on fostering international cooperation and guiding the assembly's agenda effectively.Tagesschau.de+1

🌐 Transition of Power

Rahman will officially take over from Annalena Baerbock in September 2026. Baerbock congratulated Rahman, describing the UNGA presidency as "one of the best jobs in the world." This transition marks a new chapter in UN leadership, with Rahman poised to navigate complex global issues during his one-year term.Die Welt+1

CyprusBangladeshKhalil RahmanAnnalena BaerbockUnited Nations General Assembly