UNGA 81st Session General Debate Concludes with Call to Restore Trust

The General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly concluded on Monday, with member states addressing a wide range of global issues, including peace, development, human rights, UN reform and emerging technologies.

In his closing remarks, General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman said representatives from 194 delegations participated in the debate. The speakers included 113 heads of state and government, one crown prince, 11 vice presidents, seven deputy prime ministers and 48 ministers.

Rahman noted that artificial intelligence (AI), which had remained a relatively peripheral issue in previous General Assembly debates, emerged as a major focus of this year’s discussions.

He said the theme of this year’s debate, “Restoring Trust,” featured prominently in the statements delivered by participating countries.

Rahman called for renewed global commitment to peace, sustainable development and human rights, while urging countries to ensure that technological transformation serves humanity.

He also stressed the need for meaningful and representative UN reform and called on member states to rebuild trust by strengthening an international organization capable of delivering for all.