UNGA President Khalilur Rahman Calls for Meaningful UN and Security Council Reform

United Nations General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman has called for meaningful reforms of the United Nations and its Security Council, saying deeper and credible changes are necessary to restore public trust and prepare the global organisation for future challenges.

Rahman made the remarks after assuming charge as President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. He stressed that reforms at the United Nations should not be limited to minor or symbolic changes and must instead make the organisation more effective and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Speaking about the need for reform, Rahman said the United Nations must regain public confidence through meaningful institutional changes. He emphasised that reforms should not be viewed as marginal or perfunctory and said he takes the issue of transforming the global organisation seriously.

The UNGA President also expressed support for UN Secretary-General António Guterres' UN80 initiative, which aims to make the United Nations system simpler, more effective and more coherent as the organisation prepares for future global challenges.

Rahman said the world has changed significantly since the United Nations was established more than eight decades ago. He noted that the global body must evolve to reflect the realities and challenges of the 21st century rather than continue operating according to structures developed in the aftermath of World War II.

The UN was founded in 1945 following the San Francisco Conference, where the United Nations Charter was agreed upon. Rahman said the organisation must now move forward with the changing world and undertake reforms that make it fit for the future.

A key part of the debate around UN reform remains the restructuring of the UN Security Council. Calls for Security Council reform have grown over the years as countries argue that the current structure does not adequately reflect present-day geopolitical and economic realities.

Rahman also highlighted the importance of cooperation, dialogue and finding common ground among member states. He acknowledged that several global challenges may not be resolved quickly, but said differences should not prevent countries from continuing efforts to reach solutions.

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has begun at the UN headquarters, with Rahman taking over the presidency of the body. He succeeded former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock.

As the new UNGA session gets underway, Rahman's call for deeper UN and Security Council reform is expected to add momentum to the long-running global debate over making the United Nations more representative, credible and effective in addressing contemporary challenges.