Khalilur unveils six-pillar agenda after UNGA win

Published : Wednesday, 3 June, 2026 at 10:55 AM Count : 28

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has announced a six-pillar action plan aimed at strengthening global peace, sustainable development, human rights, and multilateral cooperation in his first address after being elected president of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Addressing member states at the United Nations on Tuesday, Khalilur expressed his gratitude for the trust and support that led to his election, saying he accepted the responsibility with humility and deep respect.

He thanked Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for nominating him for the position and also expressed appreciation to the people of Bangladesh, his campaign team, and supporters around the world who contributed to the successful diplomatic campaign.

Tarique also praised his opponent, Andreas Kakouris, describing his campaign as constructive and exemplary, setting a standard for future elections within the UN system.

In his remarks, the president-elect noted that the United Nations is approaching its ninth decade at a time when global confidence in the organisation is being tested from multiple directions.

He pointed to ongoing wars and conflicts that continue to fuel humanitarian crises worldwide, while development gains remain at risk and, in many cases, are being reversed.

He also warned of setbacks in the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, adding that growing pressure on the multilateral system and the UN's financial challenges have raised concerns about the organization's effectiveness.

To address these challenges, Khalilur pledged to work closely with member states and outlined six key pillars that will guide his presidency.

Highlighting peace and security as a major priority, he said he would draw inspiration from the experience and contributions of Bangladesh's peacekeepers, who have played important roles in maintaining international peace and security in countries ranging from Cyprus to Sudan.

He pledged to support a comprehensive peacebuilding framework focused on conflict prevention, political solutions, stronger peacebuilding efforts, and the protection of civilians. He also emphasized the importance of increasing women's participation in peacekeeping operations.

On the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Rahman said a significant gap remains between commitments and achievements under the 2030 Agenda.

Looking ahead to the 2027 SDG Summit, he vowed to work closely with member states to accelerate progress on targets that are currently off track.

The president-elect also stressed the need to address the SDG financing gap, ensure debt sustainability, reform the international financial architecture, and guarantee the full and meaningful participation of women and girls in development processes.

In addition, he said special attention would be given to implementing international development commitments, including the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), as part of broader efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable global development.

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