The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on Tuesday with a call to restore trust in multilateralism, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described rebuilding confidence in the global system as “the defining challenge of our time”.
UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman said the UN’s survival over more than eight decades demonstrated its importance, noting that the organisation had helped prevent the world from descending into a third world war while supporting millions affected by conflict, disease and other global challenges.
However, he acknowledged that the institution had repeatedly fallen short of expectations as conflicts continue, development gains remain fragile and climate impacts intensify.
“Conflicts continue to inflict immense human suffering, development gains remain feeble and fragile, climate impacts are intensifying,” he said.
Rahman said these overlapping crises had contributed to a widening trust deficit in international institutions and collective action, calling for greater dialogue, cooperation and delivery.
“Today, our responsibility is not merely to defend this institution—there are good reasons to do that—but to strengthen it, not simply to invoke trust on which multilateralism rests, but to earn it every day,” he said.
He pledged to work towards reviving confidence in the UN during the 81st session, whose theme is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All”.
Guterres backed Rahman’s leadership and pledged his full support, while warning that conflicts, nuclear escalation risks, poverty, climate disruption and ungoverned artificial intelligence are putting increasing pressure on global institutions.
He said restoring faith in the multilateral system was the defining challenge facing the international community and called for greater cooperation through diplomacy and dialogue.
“Through diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration, this Assembly can rebuild the trust and good faith that is missing from our geopolitics today, and ensure the people of the world inherit a better, healthier and more peaceful future,” he said.
