The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly has commenced in New York, bringing together nearly 130 heads of state and government to discuss global issues. Algerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, is representing Algeria at the summit, mandated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Attaf will defend Algeria's diplomatic positions based on non-alignment, decolonization, and respect for international law.
The theme of this 81st session, "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations in service of all," resonates with current global challenges. The session is presided over by Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and takes place against a backdrop of accumulated crises, geopolitical tensions, and questions about the future of multilateralism. The general debate will continue until September 28, with multiple high-level meetings on climate, rising sea levels, pandemic prevention, artificial intelligence governance, and sustainable development.
This session is particularly significant as it marks the last week of António Guterres' term as UN Secretary-General, which will end on December 31, 2026. Guterres has criticized the current model of governance inherited from the post-World War II era, citing its inefficiency and lack of legitimacy. He also warned of the risk of ethnic cleansing in occupied Cisjordania and called for respect for International Court of Justice decisions.
The conflicts in the Middle East, the Gaza tragedy, tensions around Iran, the Ukraine crisis, and Sahel crises form the background of this diplomatic gathering. Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf began his activities on Sunday, preceding the opening, with multiple contacts in the context of this intense parallel ballet. He met with the Arab League Secretary-General and established close ties with his African, Arab, and UN counterparts.
Attaf's meeting with Khalilur Rahman allowed for the alignment of views on major issues affecting the Global South, while his discussion with Jean-Pierre Lacroix focused on peace operations and deteriorating security in the Sahel-Saharan region. The Libyan sequence gave Algeria's presence particular resonance, with Attaf meeting with Libyan Foreign Minister Taher El-Baour and Libyan Ambassador to the UN Taher Al-Sunni.
This discussion is part of a comprehensive approach that articulates Libyan stability, regional security, and African coordination, in strict respect for Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This approach is crucial as Tripoli has officially launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2028-2029. Algeria's actions and alliances demonstrate its commitment to the Palestinian, Western Sahara, and UN reform issues.
By rejecting foreign interference in the Sahel or Libya, Algeria reaffirms its status as an indispensable actor in international peace, stability, and the defense of just causes. Algeria's engagement at the UN General Assembly underscores its active role in global diplomacy and its commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace and stability.
Key points
- Algeria's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Attaf, represents the country at the 81st UN General Assembly session.
- The 81st UN General Assembly session focuses on global challenges, including climate change, pandemic prevention, and sustainable development.
- Algeria reaffirms its commitment to non-alignment, decolonization, and respect for international law at the UN General Assembly.
