AMERICA - The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on September 8 with calls to restore confidence in multilateral institutions.

General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that conflicts, climate change, poverty and emerging technologies are putting pressure on the global system.

Rahman, opening the session, said restoring trust in international institutions would be a central priority of his presidency under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

A System Under Pressure

Rahman said the UN's continued existence for more than eight decades demonstrates the importance of multilateral cooperation, pointing to its role in preventing another global war and addressing humanitarian and development challenges.

“For more than eight decades, our organization has helped the world avoid plunging into a third world war, arguably the very reason for its existence,” he said.

He also highlighted the organization's work beyond high-profile diplomatic events, including providing food assistance to millions of people, supporting refugees and displaced populations, promoting peace and security, addressing chronic diseases and helping countries respond to cross-border challenges.

But Rahman acknowledged that the UN has struggled to meet expectations in several areas.

“Conflicts continue to inflict immense human suffering, development gains remain feeble and fragile, climate impacts are intensifying,” he said.

Closing the Trust Gap

Rahman said these challenges have contributed to declining confidence in international institutions and collective action.

“A widening trust deficit is testing confidence in international institutions and collective action, a deficit that we must close by working together through dialogue, renewed cooperation, and delivery,” he said.

He called on member states to focus not only on defending the UN but also on strengthening its ability to respond to global challenges and deliver tangible results.

“Today, our responsibility is not merely to defend this institution—there are good reasons to do that—but to strengthen it,” Rahman said.

He pledged to work throughout the 81st session to rebuild confidence in the organization, arguing that trust must be demonstrated through results.

Guterres Warns of Global Strains

Guterres welcomed the session's focus on restoring trust and pledged his support to Rahman as he assumes the presidency of the General Assembly.

He described rebuilding confidence in the multilateral system as “the defining challenge of our time.”

Guterres pointed to a range of pressures facing international institutions, including ongoing conflicts, risks of nuclear escalation, rising poverty, climate disruption and the rapid development of artificial intelligence without adequate global governance.

He said these challenges are placing pressure on institutions ranging from the UN Security Council to the international financial system.

Call for Cooperation

Guterres urged member states to use diplomacy and dialogue to address divisions and rebuild confidence in international cooperation.

“Through diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration, this Assembly can rebuild the trust and good faith that is missing from our geopolitics today,” he said.

He said stronger cooperation could help ensure that future generations inherit a more peaceful and sustainable world.

The 81st General Assembly will now continue its work under its stated focus on restoring trust, managing global transformation and strengthening the UN's ability to deliver for people around the world.