Kingdom Takes Part in Opening of 81st UN General Assembly Session
Al Zayani leads Bahrain’s delegation as UN leaders call for dialogue, humanitarian access and stronger multilateral action
Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, led the Kingdom’s delegation at the opening of the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Held under the theme “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All,” the session brought together UN member states to discuss international peace, security and major global challenges.
Bahrain is participating as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. The Kingdom reaffirmed its support for the UN Charter, multilateral cooperation and international efforts to address conflicts and shared challenges.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for greater efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, end fighting and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. He also stressed the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in line with international law.
Guterres highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to maintain a path toward a two-state solution. He also called for reforms to the Security Council and the international financial system, along with stronger international cooperation on artificial intelligence.
Dr. Khalil Rahman, President of the 81st UN General Assembly session, stressed that the organisation’s role must translate into practical results. He pointed to conflicts and humanitarian crises in Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar and the wider Middle East, while calling for stronger protection of civilians and continued humanitarian access.
The Bahraini delegation included senior diplomatic and government officials, among them Bahrain’s ambassadors to the United States and the United Nations.
