Published on: 2026-09-09
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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8 September 2026 UN
Restoring trust in the multilateral system has become a key task of our time. Without it, it is impossible to cope with the growing global problems, among which are the threat of nuclear escalation, conflicts, poverty and inequality, as well as climate chaos.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the new, 81st session of the General Assembly. Its president is a diplomat from Bangladesh, who previously served as that country’s foreign minister, Khalilur Rahman.
Baerbock: The UN is still necessary
The chairperson of the concluded 80th session, Annalena Baerbock, stated that she is “proud” of the work done. She noted that she is more convinced than ever of the importance and necessity of the United Nations.
“To those who claim that the UN has lost its significance or is failing in its tasks – especially in the current geopolitical realities – I would simply suggest taking a moment to consider the alternative: a world without the UN,” said Baerbock.
“Think of the millions of children who would not be able to attend school without UNICEF. Think of the women who can leave their homes without fear of rape, only because of the presence of UN peacekeepers. Think of the thousands of families around the world receiving humanitarian aid — including right now in Nepal and China,” she added.
Baerbock also spoke of the “determination” of the General Assembly, which took the initiative in cases where the Security Council was “unable to act.” In particular, the General Assembly convened two sessions regarding the use of the veto power in the Security Council—on issues of war in the Middle East and in the Gaza Strip.
New GA session and election of the Secretary-General
The Presidents of the General Assembly are elected for one year – that is, for the duration of one session, which lasts from September to September. The closing and opening ceremonies of the GA sessions take place at the UN headquarters in New York on the same day.
Summing up the concluded session, Baerbock emphasized: “The 80th session faced serious difficulties, and apparently, they will only worsen during the 81st session.” She wished good luck to her successor, Khalilur Rahman.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who is leaving his post at the end of this year, noted that he is participating in today’s ceremonies for the last time. The new President of the General Assembly, in particular, will have to continue the work of Baerbock related to the election of the new UN Secretary-General.
“Since the beginning of this process in October of last year, we have made efforts to meet the persistent calls from members of the organization for transparency and inclusiveness, particularly through holding eight interactive dialogues and a general meeting involving the candidates,” said Baerbock.
“It’s not 1945 anymore”
The theme of the 81st session of the General Assembly is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: The United Nations working for the common good.”
Khalilur Rahman, who is chairing the current session, stated the need to prepare the United Nations for the challenges of the future.
“We have encountered a deficit of trust. It is not 1945 now. The 81st session [of the General Assembly] is underway. The world has moved forward. The Organization must also move forward, and I will facilitate this process,” he said.
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