Bangladesh and Cyprus Contest for UNGA 81 Presidency

The election for the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is scheduled for 2 June 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Bangladesh has nominated Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, and Cyprus has nominated Ambassador Andreas Kakouris, Special Envoy for Multilateralism.

United Nations General Assembly Presidency

The President of the United Nations General Assembly presides over the annual session of the 193-member body. The office is elected by the General Assembly and follows a regional rotation system among the five regional groups of the United Nations.

Asia-Pacific Group and Regional Rotation

The President of the 81st session is to be elected from the Asia-Pacific Group under the established regional rotation. The Asia-Pacific Group is one of the five regional groups used by the United Nations for elections and representation.

Election Process and Session Timeline

Informal interactive dialogues with the candidates were held on 13 May 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is set to open on 8 September 2026, and the high-level General Debate is scheduled to begin on 22 September 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
• The General Assembly presidency is elected for a one-year term.
• The United Nations has five regional groups: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and Others.
• Bangladesh last held the General Assembly presidency in 1986-87, and Cyprus has never held the post.

Candidates and Diplomatic Background

Khalilur Rahman has served as Bangladesh’s National Security Adviser and High Representative for the Rohingya issue. Andreas Kakouris has over four decades of diplomatic experience and has served as Cyprus’ Ambassador to the United States and as Permanent Secretary/State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.