UN General Assembly opens 81st session in New York

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly officially opens today at UN headquarters in New York, bringing together world leaders and senior officials for discussions on major international challenges.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh, who is set to preside over the new session, are scheduled to address the opening. Rahman will also take his oath of office in the morning, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The session’s high-level general debate will begin on September 22, with heads of state and government expected to deliver national statements. More than 100 heads of state and 46 heads of government are expected to attend, alongside foreign ministers, ambassadors and other senior representatives.

The General Assembly’s agenda will include several high-level meetings focusing on pressing global issues. These will include a meeting marking the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development, discussions on climate action and a just transition, and a session addressing the existential threats posed by rising sea levels.

World leaders will also take part in a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Another high-level plenary session will focus on the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, underscoring continuing international efforts toward nuclear disarmament.

The 81st session will run until September 7, 2027. Its opening month will traditionally be dominated by the high-level general debate, bringing together heads of state and government and foreign ministers from around the world.

The session begins amid ongoing international conflicts, financial pressures facing the United Nations and efforts to reform the organisation. One of the most significant developments during the new session will be the selection of the UN’s next secretary-general.

Guterres, who has served as UN secretary-general since 2017, is due to leave office on December 31, 2026. The selection process for his successor is therefore expected to be closely watched by UN member states.

The high-level general debate is scheduled for September 22–26 and September 28.