United Nations concludes the 80th session of the General Assembly and hands over the presidency of the new session
New York, Sept 8 (KUNA) -- The United Nations General Assembly concluded its 80th session on Tuesday, with Khalil al-Rahman assuming the presidency of the 81st session, succeeding the outgoing president, Annalena Baerbock. Al-Rahman, who serves as Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, took the oath of office before both Baerbock and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, before receiving the gavel of the General Assembly presidency to mark the start of his duties as president of the new session.
On this occasion, Guterres said in a speech during the closing session that the 80th session had convened “at a moment of serious challenge for humanity,” emphasizing that the need for the UN’s foundational principles is more evident today than ever, as the organization marks 81 years since its founding. He stressed the necessity for countries to stand together, work jointly, and find solutions amid what he described as “turbulent times,” calling for adherence to the spirit of cooperation and shared objectives that have characterized the United Nations since its inception.
Guterres praised Baerbock’s leadership and her efforts to rebuild trust in the multilateral system, implement the measures outlined in the Pact for the Future, and commit to reform under the “UN80” initiative, as well as her role in organizing the selection process for the next Secretary-General, enhancing transparency and inclusiveness in the process.
For her part, Baerbock said she was leaving the presidency of the General Assembly with mixed feelings of emotion and pride in what had been achieved during the session, and with conviction in the importance of the UN and the necessity of its existence. The former German Foreign Minister noted that the numerous votes during the session demonstrated that power struggles and attacks on the UN had helped bring the views of the majority of General Assembly members closer together, making the Assembly “more united and stronger.” She underscored the importance of the process for selecting the next Secretary-General, stating that the decision to be made by the UN Security Council and the General Assembly during the 81st session would serve as a test of the organization’s ability to apply the principles it advocates.
At the end of the session, representatives of member states observed a minute of silence before Baerbock handed over the General Assembly presidency gavel to Khalil al-Rahman, in the presence of Guterres. (End) A.S.T. / R.J.
