India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to represent the country at the high-level segment of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with his address scheduled for Saturday, September 26.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly formally opened on September 8, while the high-level general debate will take place from September 22 to 26 and resume on September 28. The annual gathering brings together heads of state, governments and senior representatives to discuss major international issues.
Jaishankar’s participation places India’s foreign policy priorities at the centre of the country’s engagement during the high-level week. India has traditionally used the UNGA platform to outline its positions on global governance, international security, development, terrorism and reform of multilateral institutions.
The 81st session is being presided over by Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, who was elected president of the General Assembly on June 2 following the established regional rotation. The UN says the presidency for this session comes from the Asia-Pacific Group.
The session’s official theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” Rahman has highlighted cooperation, dialogue, institutional reform and efforts to strengthen confidence in the UN system as key elements of his presidency.
With global conflicts, geopolitical tensions and debates over the future of multilateral institutions continuing to shape international diplomacy, the UNGA high-level week is expected to provide a major platform for countries to present their priorities and positions.
