Shibbir AHmed, New York — World leaders and senior officials are continuing high-level diplomatic discussions at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, with conflicts, artificial intelligence, climate change, development and international cooperation remaining central issues.

The General Assembly’s high-level week, which runs through September 28, has brought together leaders and representatives from across the world to address major global challenges and debate the future of multilateral cooperation.

The General Debate is scheduled to continue on September 28, following several days of speeches and diplomatic meetings focused on international security, regional conflicts, economic development and emerging global challenges.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as an important issue during this year’s UN discussions. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for stronger international governance of AI and warned that technological developments are moving faster than existing global institutions can respond.

The UN has also placed conflicts and international diplomacy at the center of the General Assembly agenda as governments seek diplomatic approaches to ongoing crises, including tensions in the Middle East. The UN General Assembly’s 81st session is being chaired by Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman. The session’s theme is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

A major UN meeting taking place today, September 28, is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which focuses on combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

The high-level week has also included meetings on climate action, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness, reflecting the broad range of issues being addressed by the international community.

As the high-level portion of the General Assembly concludes, diplomatic attention remains focused on how governments can address conflicts, technological risks and other global challenges through international cooperation.

DHAKA — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will leave Dhaka on Monday for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 24, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the prime minister’s address will outline the government’s positions on Bangladesh’s democratic transition and a range of national and global issues.

According to the Foreign Secretary, Tarique Rahman is expected to speak about the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development and economic cooperation. He is also expected to highlight youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, equitable access to modern technology and reform of the multilateral system.

The visit will mark Tarique Rahman’s first participation in the UN General Assembly as Bangladesh’s prime minister. It will also be the first appearance at the UN’s highest-level global forum by the incumbent government, according to the Foreign Secretary. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister is serving as president of the 81st General Assembly session, which officials described as an additional significance for the country’s participation this year.

Packed diplomatic schedule

Tarique Rahman’s official engagements are scheduled to begin on September 22 with a welcome breakfast hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for heads of state and government. He is also scheduled to attend the opening of the high-level segment and a reception hosted by the U.S. president for heads of state and government and their spouses.

On September 23, the prime minister is expected to meet representatives of international charitable and humanitarian organizations. He will also participate in a high-level meeting on global inequality and attend a meeting on climate action and a just transition.

The Rohingya crisis will be another major focus of the visit. At a side event on the crisis, Tarique Rahman is expected to call for greater international cooperation to facilitate the earliest possible repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar. At climate-related meetings, Bangladesh is expected to emphasize issues including climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.

Sea-level rise and maternal health

On September 24, the prime minister is scheduled to deliver opening remarks at a high-level UN meeting addressing the threats posed by sea-level rise. The United Nations has scheduled the high-level meeting for September 24 at its New York headquarters. The meeting will bring together world leaders and other stakeholders to discuss international cooperation and practical measures to address the growing impacts of rising sea levels, particularly on vulnerable coastal and low-lying countries.

Tarique Rahman is also scheduled to address a Bangladesh-hosted side event on maternal and newborn health and midwifery. He is expected to outline government initiatives concerning maternal and child health and emphasize the importance of trained midwifery services.

Bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the prime minister is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the crown prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti. According to the Foreign Secretary, the meetings are expected to cover bilateral political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, the Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interest.

Tarique Rahman is also expected to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the president of the European Council, the president of the World Bank Group, the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Myanmar, and the UN high commissioners for refugees and human rights. He is additionally scheduled to meet the president of the International Peace Institute.

Focus on investment and economic diplomacy

Economic diplomacy will also feature during the visit, with meetings planned between the prime minister and senior representatives of Meta, Wall Street and other business organizations. The discussions are expected to focus on Bangladesh’s investment environment, manufacturing, infrastructure and technology, human-resource and skills development, and employment opportunities for young people.

The prime minister is scheduled to leave New York for Dhaka on the night of September 25. The Foreign Secretary said the government hopes the visit will help expand Bangladesh’s bilateral and multilateral cooperation and present its priorities to the international community.