News Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will depart from Dhaka for New York tomorrow (Monday, September 21). He is scheduled to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (Sunday, September 20), Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam stated that the Prime Minister would highlight several key issues in his address, including Bangladesh’s new democratic journey, the rule of law and accountability, global peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, economic cooperation, youth and women’s empowerment, education and health, the Rohingya crisis, the equitable use of modern technology, and the reform of the multilateral system.
The Prime Minister will lead the Bangladesh delegation during this visit. Following the conclusion of his engagements in New York, he is scheduled to depart for home on the night of September 25.
The Foreign Secretary noted that Bangladesh’s participation in this session holds special significance in several respects. Firstly, this marks the current government’s first participation at the UN’s highest global forum. It presents an opportunity to showcase the new government’s political commitments and the vision for the future of Bangladesh to the global community.
He mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would represent Bangladesh at the UN General Assembly for the first time. Furthermore, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister will serve as the President of this session. Consequently, this is not only a rare and historic moment for the nation but also a matter of great prestige and pride.
The Foreign Secretary informed us that, on the sidelines of the session, the Prime Minister would hold important meetings with heads of state and government from various countries, as well as with top officials of international organizations. These meetings will create new opportunities to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation.
It was announced at the press conference that upon arriving in New York, the Prime Minister would begin his official engagements on September 22. In the morning, he will attend a welcome breakfast hosted by the UN Secretary-General for heads of state and government. Subsequently, he will join other world leaders at the opening ceremony of the session. In the evening, he will attend a reception hosted by the US President in honor of the heads of state and government and their spouses.
On September 23, the Prime Minister will exchange views during a breakfast meeting with representatives from various international charitable and humanitarian organizations. Afterward, he will deliver a speech at a meeting organized by Brazil, South Africa, Norway, and Spain, focusing on addressing the global inequality crisis. In the afternoon, she will attend a high-level meeting titled ‘Climate Action and the Just Transition,’ organized at the initiative of the UN Secretary-General.
On September 24, at the invitation of the session’s President and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, she will deliver the opening remarks at a high-level meeting addressing the existential threat posed by rising sea levels. Representing a climate-vulnerable nation, she will articulate Bangladesh’s strong stance on climate finance, adaptation, technology transfer, loss and damage, and climate justice.
The Prime Minister is also expected to address the General Debate of the UN General Assembly that same afternoon.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will participate in two significant side events hosted by Bangladesh. On September 23, at a side event concerning the Rohingya crisis, she will seek effective cooperation from the international community to ensure the speedy repatriation of the Rohingyas to Myanmar.
On September 24, she will speak as the chief guest at another side event focused on maternal and newborn health and midwifery. During this event, she will outline the new government’s initiatives and future plans for safeguarding maternal and child health and emphasize the necessity of skilled and trained midwifery services in healthcare.
Alongside her participation in the conference, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with top leaders from several countries. Notable among these are meetings with the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the Prime Ministers of Croatia, Bhutan, Thailand, Pakistan, and Haiti. Discussions during these meetings are expected to cover various issues of mutual interest, including political and economic relations, trade and investment, development cooperation, and the Rohingya crisis.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with the UN Secretary-General, the President of the European Council, the President of the World Bank Group, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the President of the International Peace Institute.
Additionally, as part of economic diplomacy, she will meet with top representatives from business entities such as Wall Street and Meta. These discussions will focus on Bangladesh’s favorable investment climate, the potential of the manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology sectors, skills and human resource development, and the creation of quality employment opportunities for the youth.
The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that, overall, this visit would create a significant opportunity to showcase the new journey of Bangladesh’s new government on the global stage, while also expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation. He stated that through this, they aim to convey a message to the world of a democratic, self-confident, responsible, peace-loving, and promising Bangladesh. —BSS
