Bangladesh foreign minister Khalilur Rahman sworn in as United Nations General Assembly president

Bangladesh foreign minister Khalilur Rahman was sworn in Tuesday as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, returning Bangladesh to the post for the first time in nearly four decades.

Rahman, who will lead the 193-member assembly for one year, succeeds former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock. Bangladesh last held the presidency in 1986-87, when former foreign minister Humayun Rasheed Choudhury led the 41st session.

Rahman said his presidency would emphasize dialogue, cooperation, and deeper United Nations reform as the organization faces a growing trust deficit.

“The world has moved on. The organisation must move on, and I’ll help that process,” he said.

Rahman also pledged to keep Rohingya voices before the United Nations and said he would serve all countries regardless of how they voted in his election.