Election of Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman as President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly Session

外交部長 Khalilur Rahman 當選第 81 屆聯合國大會議長

Jun 2, 2026, 21:55
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman has been elected to preside over the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), succeeding Germany's Annalena Baerbock.

孟加拉外交部長 Khalilur Rahman 已當選第 81 屆聯合國大會（UNGA）議長，接替德國的 Annalena Baerbock。

Main Body

The election was conducted via secret ballot among the 193 member states, with Rahman securing 99 votes against 91 for the candidate from the Greek Cypriot Administration. This appointment adheres to the established regional rotation protocol, which designated the Asia-Pacific region for the current cycle. Rahman, a career diplomat since 1979 with extensive academic credentials from Harvard and Tufts University, previously served as a national security adviser and high representative for the Rohingya issue under an interim administration. His appointment follows the installation of a new government in Bangladesh after the 2024 student-led uprisings.

本次選舉由 193 個會員國透過秘密投票進行，Rahman 獲得 99 票，擊敗來自塞浦路斯政府候選人的 91 票。此次任命遵循既定的區域輪替機制，本週期指定為亞太地區。Rahman 自 1979 年起擔任職業外交官，擁有哈佛大學與塔夫茨大學的深厚學術背景，此前曾在臨時政府中擔任國家安全顧問及羅興亞問題高級代表。在 2024 年學生主導的起義後，孟加拉成立新政府，他隨後被任命。

Institutional challenges characterize the current multilateral landscape. The UNGA has increasingly functioned as a primary forum for addressing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, particularly when the Security Council's efficacy is diminished by the exercise of veto powers. Furthermore, the organization faces significant fiscal instability, exacerbated by substantial arrears from the United States. Outgoing President Baerbock noted that the role of the presidency has evolved beyond procedural administration to one of active defense of the UN Charter amidst systemic pressures.

目前的多邊環境具有制度性挑戰。由於安全理事會的效能因行使否決權而降低，聯合國大會日益成為處理烏克蘭與加薩衝突的主要論壇。此外，該組織面臨嚴重的財政不穩定，美國的大 amount 欠款使情況進一步惡化。卸任議長 Baerbock 指出，議長的角色已從程序行政演變為在系統壓力下積極捍衛《聯合國憲章》。

Rahman's proposed agenda, titled 'Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All,' emphasizes a holistic approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding. His stated priorities include the prioritization of political solutions, the enhancement of gender equality within peacekeeping operations, and the pursuit of comprehensive UN reforms. Additionally, he intends to address climate change, energy insecurity, and the widening development divide. This transition has been acknowledged by international stakeholders, including India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who indicated a commitment to advancing shared multilateral priorities.

Rahman 提出的議程名為「恢復信任，管理轉型：一個為所有人提供服務的聯合國」，強調對維持和平與建設和平採取整體方法。其明確的優先事項包括：優先考慮政治解決方案、提升維和行動中的性別平等，以及追求全面的聯合國改革。此外，他打算處理氣候變遷、能源不安全以及日益擴大的發展差距。國際利益相關者，包括印度外交部長 S. Jaishankar 均對此次過渡表示認可，並表示致力於推進共同的多邊優先事項。

Conclusion

Minister Rahman will formally assume his duties upon the opening of the 81st session on September 8, with the high-level General Debate scheduled for September 22.

Rahman 部長將於 9 月 8 日第 81 屆會議開幕時正式就職，高層級綜合辯論則定於 9 月 22 日舉行。

Vocabulary Learning

The Architecture of Nominalization and 'Heavy' Noun Phrases

To transition from B2 to C2, a student must move beyond simple subject-verb-object clarity and embrace conceptual density. The provided text is a masterclass in Nominalization—the process of turning verbs or adjectives into nouns to create a more formal, objective, and 'institutional' tone.

⚡ The Linguistic Pivot: From Action to State

Consider the difference between B2-level reporting and the C2 prose in the article:

  • B2 Approach: The UN is struggling because the US hasn't paid its debts. (Dynamic, linear, subjective).
  • C2 Execution: "...significant fiscal instability, exacerbated by substantial arrears from the United States."

In the C2 version, the action ('not paying') is frozen into a noun (arrears), and the state of the organization is captured as a conceptual entity (fiscal instability). This removes the need for a simple active verb, allowing the writer to stack modifiers and create a dense, authoritative atmosphere.

🔍 Deconstructing the 'Heavy' NP (Noun Phrase)

C2 mastery involves the ability to manage long noun phrases without losing the reader. Look at this sequence:

"...the exercise of veto powers" "...the widening development divide"

These are not just words; they are semantic clusters.

  1. The Core: Divide/Powers
  2. The Qualifiers: Development/Veto
  3. The Dynamic Modifier: Widening/Exercise

By utilizing this structure, the author avoids the 'clutter' of multiple clauses (e.g., "the divide that is widening between developing nations"), replacing them with a streamlined, professional elegance.

🛠️ Scholarly Application: The 'Abstract-to-Concrete' Bridge

To replicate this, focus on the Passive-Causative link. Note how the text uses "exacerbated by" to connect a state of being (instability) to a cause (arrears).

C2 Shift Strategy:

  • Instead of: "The government changed because students protested."
  • Employ: "The installation of a new government... following the student-led uprisings."

Key takeaway: C2 English is not about more words, but about denser words. Shift your focus from who did what to what phenomenon occurred.

Vocabulary Learning

preside (v.)
To act as chairperson or head of a meeting; to oversee.
Example:The minister will preside over the debate on climate policy.
adheres (v.)
To stick to or follow a rule or principle.
Example:The new policy adheres to international standards.
established (adj.)
Having been set up or recognized for a long time; proven.
Example:The established protocol ensures fairness in elections.
designated (v.)
To assign a particular role or area to someone or something.
Example:The region was designated as the focus of the aid program.
career (n.)
A profession or occupation pursued over a long period.
Example:He had a distinguished career in diplomacy.
diplomat (n.)
A professional representing a country abroad.
Example:The diplomat negotiated the treaty.
academic (adj.)
Relating to education or scholarship.
Example:She holds academic credentials from Harvard.
credentials (n.)
Qualifications or achievements that establish competence.
Example:His credentials include a PhD in international relations.
national (adj.)
Relating to a nation.
Example:National security is a top priority.
security (adj.)
Free from danger or threat.
Example:Security measures were increased after the incident.
adviser (n.)
A person who gives advice.
Example:The adviser helped shape the policy.
representative (n.)
A person who acts on behalf of others.
Example:The representative spoke at the summit.
interim (adj.)
Temporary or provisional.
Example:An interim government was formed after the coup.
institutional (adj.)
Relating to an organization or institution.
Example:Institutional reforms were proposed to improve efficiency.
multilateral (adj.)
Involving multiple parties or countries.
Example:Multilateral talks were held to resolve the dispute.
efficacy (n.)
Effectiveness or ability to produce desired results.
Example:The efficacy of the new law was questioned.
diminished (adj.)
Reduced in strength or value.
Example:The influence of the council was diminished.
exercise (n.)
An act of practicing or using a skill.
Example:The exercise of veto powers was controversial.
veto (n.)
The power to reject a decision.
Example:The veto prevented the resolution from passing.
fiscal (adj.)
Relating to financial matters.
Example:Fiscal policy was under scrutiny during the crisis.
instability (n.)
Lack of stability; unpredictable changes.
Example:Economic instability affected markets worldwide.
exacerbated (v.)
Made worse or more intense.
Example:The crisis was exacerbated by misinformation.
arrears (n.)
Unpaid debts or overdue payments.
Example:Arrears accumulated over years.
procedural (adj.)
Related to procedures or processes.
Example:Procedural rules must be followed in the meeting.
defense (n.)
Protection or safeguarding.
Example:Defense of the charter was crucial for the organization.
holistic (adj.)
Considering all parts or aspects as a whole.
Example:A holistic approach was adopted to address climate change.
peacekeeping (n.)
Maintaining peace, often by international forces.
Example:Peacekeeping missions were deployed to the conflict zone.
peacebuilding (n.)
Efforts to build lasting peace after conflict.
Example:Peacebuilding initiatives require community support.
prioritization (n.)
The act of assigning priority.
Example:Prioritization of resources was necessary for the project.
gender (n.)
The state of being male or female; classification.
Example:Gender equality remains a challenge in many societies.
equality (n.)
State of being equal.
Example:Equality in the workplace is essential for fairness.
comprehensive (adj.)
Complete and thorough.
Example:A comprehensive review was conducted before the decision.
climate (n.)
Prevailing weather conditions; also environmental.
Example:Climate change demands immediate action.
insecurity (n.)
Lack of security; uncertainty.
Example:Energy insecurity affects national stability.
widening (adj.)
Becoming broader or larger.
Example:The widening gap between rich and poor concerns many.
stakeholders (n.)
Parties with interest or concern.
Example:Stakeholders were consulted during the planning phase.
external (adj.)
Outside or external.
Example:External affairs were managed by the ministry.
shared (adj.)
Common to all parties.
Example:Shared goals unite the group.
high-level (adj.)
Involving senior or important individuals.
Example:High-level negotiations were held in Geneva.
formal (adj.)
Official or proper.
Example:A formal ceremony will be held to inaugurate the new building.
assume (v.)
To take on responsibility.
Example:He will assume the role next month.
opening (n.)
The start or commencement.
Example:The opening ceremony was televised worldwide.
Practice C2 words in a crossword→