New York (GNP): The General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly concluded on Monday, closing a week of speeches built around the theme of restoring trust in the international system.
General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman, who is also Bangladesh’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the closing remarks at UN headquarters. He said 194 delegations took part in the debate. The speakers included 113 heads of state and government, one crown prince, 11 vice presidents and seven deputy prime ministers, along with 48 ministers, which points to the level of attendance the session drew.
That broad participation produced a wide agenda. According to Rahman, the debate covered peace, development, human rights and UN reform, and it also turned to the selection of the next secretary-general. One shift stood out from earlier years: artificial intelligence (AI), which had remained on the margins of previous debates, moved to the centre of this year’s discussions.
He added that the theme of restoring trust resonated widely across the speeches, linking these separate issues into a single concern about how the organisation delivers for its members.
Also Read: J&K Assembly Demands Immediate Statehood As BJP Walks Out
His closing message followed the same thread. He called on member states to hold firm on peace, deliver sustainable development, defend human rights principles without selectivity and govern technological change in the service of humanity. He also urged reform that is meaningful, representative and fair, so that trust can be rebuilt in an organisation that works for everyone.
Rahman said, “Let us stubbornly refuse to give up on peace.”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
