Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that it goes without saying that the interim government has initiated reforms to build a new Bangladesh.
"In this context, this session represents a new beginning for Bangladesh on the world stage," he said while briefing on Saturday regarding Bangladesh's participation in the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly under the leadership of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
"We have a significant opportunity to present this equitable and just Bangladesh to the global community," he said.
On September 27, the chief adviser will deliver the speech during the general debate at the UN General Assembly.
In his speech, the adviser said, he is expected to present an account of the recent unprecedented mass-uprising in Bangladesh and reaffirm the commitment to establishing a people-centred, welfare-oriented, and public-interest-driven state.
"Additionally, issues such as Bangladesh’s significant role in peacekeeping, climate change and justice, global conflicts, the Rohingya crisis, challenges faced by developing nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prevention of resource outflow from developing countries, safe migration, access to basic services for migrants, sustainable technology transfer in the context of generative artificial intelligence, and matters related to Palestine, may also feature in his speech," he said.
"The UN’s priority issues are equally important for Bangladesh. Bangladesh is expected to actively participate in all events related to these issues."
"Bangladesh views multilateral diplomacy, including the UN, as a crucial means to safeguard national interests. Overall, we believe that the participation of Bangladesh's delegation, led by the Honorable Chief Adviser, will help expand and strengthen international cooperation on issues critical to Bangladesh’s national interests," he said.
The high-level debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly will begin on September 24. To attend this session, the Chief Adviser will arrive in New York on September 23 on a commercial flight.
Unlike recent years, this time a delegation of over a hundred members will not travel to New York by chartered flight, the adviser said.
"Instead, a delegation has been formed with as few members as possible, based on the relevance and responsibility of each individual."
This year's general debate theme is “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.”
"In light of global challenges such as the crisis of trust, disregard for multilateralism and dialogue, conflicts, human rights violations, and the lack of effective coordinated actions to implement sustainable development—despite rapid advancements in science and technology—this theme is highly significant," the foreign adviser said.
This session holds special importance for Bangladesh, as it marks the 50th anniversary of our UN membership.
To commemorate this occasion, Bangladesh will host a high-level reception at the UN Headquarters on September 24, with the chief adviser in attendance.
"We expect heads of delegations from various countries, senior UN officials, some heads of state and government, and heads of various agencies to participate in this reception."
The foreign adviser said there is no need to elaborate on the global recognition and reputation of the chief adviser.
"As a result, numerous renowned international media outlets have requested interviews with him. Additionally, there have been requests for him to participate in bilateral meetings and events. Given that he will be in New York for only three days, it may be difficult for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accommodate all these requests within the limited time," he said.
The chief adviser is expected to participate in several bilateral meetings.
These may include meetings with the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Nepal, the President of the European Commission, the US Secretary of State, the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the President of the World Bank Group, and the Administrator of USAID.
Discussions may cover various topics of mutual interest.
"Many meetings are often finalized at the last minute, so new meetings may be added to the schedule, while others might be cancelled due to time constraints," the adviser said.
"There are ongoing discussions about organizing bilateral meetings with the US president, the president of Italy, and the crown prince of Kuwait. Additionally, the foreign minister of China may also meet with the chief adviser," he said.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the foreign adviser will represent Bangladesh in several important events, including the "Summit of the Future" on September 22-23 at the UN Headquarters.
World leaders will adopt a forward-looking document titled "Pact of the Future" during this summit.
"Additionally, we are hopeful that two more declarations, "Declaration on the Future Generations" and "Global Digital Compact," will be adopted as annexes to the "Pact of the Future."
"Bangladesh's permanent mission to the UN has been actively involved in the ongoing negotiations for these documents. Furthermore, Bangladesh, in collaboration with relevant UN agencies, has undertaken various initiatives in Dhaka to foster discussions and exchange views at both national and international levels regarding these documents," he said.
"I also hope to participate in other important meetings, including the Ministerial Meetings of the Non-Aligned Movement, Commonwealth Foreign Ministers, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Least Developed Countries, and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue. Additionally, we are organizing a high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis," said the foreign adviser.