Speech
Ahmad al-Sharaa  ·  2026-09-20 00:00

UN General Assembly president urges major powers to bridge divisions through dialogue

New York, Sept. 20 (SANA)U.N. General AssemblyPresident Khalilur Rahman called on major powers to maintain dialogue and seek common ground, saying cooperation among states is essential to addressing crises threateninginternational peace and security.

Rahman, who is presiding over the General Assembly’s 81st session, said diplomatic engagement remains the most effective way to resolve disputes, warning that failed diplomacy can lead to further destruction before parties eventually return to negotiations.

Speaking in an interview with Anadolu Agency on Sunday, Rahman said theUnited Nationsprovides a platform for parties with differing positions to engage even when immediate solutions remain out of reach.

He identified persistent divisions among major powers over international peace and security as one of the challenges facing the United Nations.

Rahman linked declining confidence in the United Nations to prolonged conflicts and crises that remain unresolved, as well as limited public awareness of the organization’s work inhumanitarian relief,development and climate action.

Rebuilding trust is a central theme of Rahman’s presidency. The theme of the 81st session is “Restoring trust,managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”

Rahman saidartificial intelligencewould be among the priorities of the current session, calling for a balance between encouraging innovation and addressing challenges posed by the technology, particularly its impact on employment and the digital divide.

World leaders are expected to gather atU.N. headquarters in New Yorkfor the General Assembly’s high-level meetings, bringing together heads of state and government for discussions on major international issues.