Call for Questions: Candidates for President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly
Updated: 5 days ago
The Institute for Public Diplomacy invites civil society organizations, academics, and researchers within our public diplomacy community to share ideas and priorities. This collaboration will help us prepare a collective vision and formulate potential questions for the candidates for President of the United Nations General Assembly.
Your Input Matters
We would love to hear from you:
💡 What global challenges should the next PGA prioritize?
💬 What questions should civil society and academia ask the candidates?
🌍 Which perspectives must be represented?
Your input will ensure our submission reflects the diversity and expertise of our network.
🗓 Please share your thoughts here as soon as possible so we can consolidate contributions.
Importance of Engagement
Engagement in public diplomacy is crucial. It fosters dialogue and understanding among diverse stakeholders. By participating in this process, you contribute to shaping the future of global governance.
The upcoming election of the President of the eighty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly is a significant event. It presents an opportunity for civil society to voice its concerns and priorities. This is your chance to influence the agenda at the highest levels.
The Role of Civil Society
Civil society plays a vital role in democratic processes. It ensures that various perspectives are heard. By submitting questions, you help create a more inclusive dialogue. This engagement can lead to more effective governance and policy-making.
How to Participate
To participate, please submit your questions by the deadline of 24 April 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Remember, submission of a question does not guarantee selection. However, those short-listed will be contacted regarding in-person attendance or to submit a pre-recorded video message for inclusion in the interactive dialogue.
The Candidates
Ahead of the election, Her Excellency Ms. Annalena Baerbock will convene informal interactive dialogues with the candidates on 13 May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
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. This process contributes to the transparency and inclusivity of the election.
In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty-first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. The following candidates have been nominated:
H.E. Mr. Khalilur Rahman of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
H.E. Mr. Andreas S. Kakouris of the Republic of Cyprus
Information about the candidates and the election process is available on the website of the President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly.
Final Thoughts
The United Nations invites civil society organizations, as well as individuals, to submit questions for the candidates. Representatives of civil society organizations with a valid UN ground pass may attend in person, space permitting.
Questions will be selected to reflect the inclusive nature of the process. This includes diverse regional, thematic, generational, and other representation to the fullest extent possible.
Your voice is important. Together, we can ensure that the next President of the General Assembly addresses the pressing issues of our time. Let’s work together to amplify our collective expertise and impact.
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Call for Questions: Candidates for President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly Ahead of the election of the President of the eighty-first session of the United Nations General Assembly, Her Excellency Ms. Annalena Baerbock will convene the informal interactive dialogues with the candidates on 13 May 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. 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. In accordance with the established regional rotation, the President of the eighty-first session of the General Assembly will be elected from the Asia Pacific Group. The following candidates have been nominated: H.E. Mr. Khalilur Rahman of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh H.E. Mr. Andreas S. Kakouris of the Republic of Cyprus Information about the candidates and the election process is available on the website of the President of the eightieth session of the General Assembly. The United Nations invites civil society organizations, as well as individuals, to submit questions to the candidate for their response during the interactive dialogue. Representatives of civil society organizations with a valid UN ground pass may attend in person, space permitting. Kindly note
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