13 May 2026: Informal interactive dialogues with the candidates for the position of President of the 81st session of the General Assembly
In its resolution 71/323, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Assembly decided to call upon candidates for the position of President of the General Assembly to present their vision statements, and to conduct informal interactive dialogues with Member States, thus contributing to the transparency and inclusivity of the process.
The President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, will convene informal interactive dialogues with the candidates on 13 May 2026 at 10am and 3pm. The dialogues will be broadcast live on UN WebTV.
Civil society organizations and individuals were invited to engage in the informal interactive dialogues by submitting questions to the candidates. Questions were received through the registration of participants who will engage either in person or through video messages.
10am: H.E. Mr. Andreas S. Kakouris (Cyprus)
3pm: H.E. Mr. Khalilur Rahman (Bangladesh)
Workings of the General Assembly
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.
The UNGA also makes key decisions for the UN, including:
- appointing the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council
- electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council
- approving the UN budget
The Assembly meets in regular sessions from September to December each year, and thereafter as required. It discusses specific issues through dedicated agenda items or sub-items, which lead to the adoption of resolutions.
Sitting arrangements in the General Assembly Hall change for each session. During the 80th Session (2025-2026), Niger will occupy the first seat in the Hall, including in the Main Committees (followed by all the other countries, in English alphabetical order).
