81st session of UN General Assembly opens in New York

Today, the 81st session of the UN General Assembly will open at the organization's headquarters in New York.

According to Report, UN Secretary‑General António Guterres and the new session's President, Bangladesh representative Khalilur Rahman, will deliver speeches at the opening. Khalilur Rahman's oath of office will be held in the morning.

On September 22, during the High‑Level Week, heads of state and government will address the General Debate. More than 100 heads of state and 46 heads of government, as well as ministers and ambassadors, are expected to attend with large delegations.

Alongside the General Debate, the Assembly will host several high‑level meetings with the participation of world leaders. These include a session marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, a meeting on climate action and just transition, a session on the existential threats posed by rising sea levels, and a meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. In addition, a high‑level plenary session will be held to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

The session will continue until September 7, 2027. Its opening month's main event will traditionally be the General Debate with the participation of heads of state, government leaders, and foreign ministers. The session coincides with a period of ongoing international conflicts, financial challenges facing the UN, and efforts toward organizational reform.

One of the key events in the coming year will be the election of a new Secretary‑General. António Guterres, who has led the UN since 2017, will see his term end on December 31, 2026. The General Debate will be held on September 22–26 and September 28.