UNGA 81 Kicks Off: The New PGA Rahman Takes Oath of Office

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) commenced today, September 8, 2026, at the UN Headquarters in New York City. This session is pivotal, as it closed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and opened the 81st session of the UNGA, marking the beginning of a year-long series of discussions and decisions on a wide array of global issues.

The theme of this 81st session of the UNGA is "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All." This theme emphasizes the UN's commitment to fostering effective multilateral cooperation and addressing contemporary global challenges through collaboration and transformative actions. During this inaugural session, member states shared their priorities and views on international matters.

The newly elected President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (PGA), H.E Khalilur Rahman was officially sworn in during this session, succeeding H.E Annalena Baerbock, President of 80th session of the UN General Assembly, in the presence of H.E Antonio Guterres, Secretary - General of the United Nations, and all representatives of the member states to the UN. H.E Ambassador, Mohamed Fathi Edrees, Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations represented the AU at this important official opening of the UNGA 81st.

During the opening ceremony, H.E Rahman officially received a symbolic wooden gavel from outgoing President Baerbock. He emphasized in his acceptance statement, the importance of collaboration and commitment among member states to important global issues. The PGA stated that the UN must "fit for the future"" to achieve its development goals.

UN Secretary-General Guterres welcomed Rahman's tenure. Rahman's term begins at a pivotal moment in the UN's ninth decade, with a mandate to restore public confidence, adapt the institution to a rapidly developing world and ensure the Assembly delivers on its core mission.

His presidency is built around six priorities:

1. Peace, security, and justice for all

2. Accelerating the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals

3. Climate resilience and environmental sustainability

4. Human rights, humanitarian action, and refugee/migrant protection

5. Inclusive digital governance and AI safety

6. Renewed multilateralism and UN reform

UNGA 81 will serve as a pivotal platform for dialogue, negotiation, and collaboration among nations, setting the stage for effective responses to contemporary global challenges. During the General Assembly, Member States will present their priorities and engage in discussions aimed at fostering consensus on critical issues facing the international community.

Media contact:

Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate, AU Commission, and Communication Adviser, for the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the United Mission (UN) | Mobile: WhatsApp +1 (347) 812-7195 | E-mail: [email protected]