Mali's Foreign Minister and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, is leading the country's delegation to the 81st ordinary session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, from September 22 to 28, 2026. The official opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 22. The Malian delegation includes Minister of Health and Social Development, Médecin Colonel major Assan Badiallo Touré, and Special Advisor to the President of the Transition, Fatou Binta Diop.
The 81st UN General Assembly session is themed "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: The United Nations in Service of All." The session will feature high-level meetings, bilateral and thematic discussions, and parallel events. Minister Diop's agenda includes meetings with high-ranking officials from friendly countries and partners, as well as interactions with Malian nationals residing in New York. His counterpart, Minister of Health and Social Development, will also hold bilateral meetings with several partners and personalities.
The Malian delegation aims to promote the country's interests and engage in high-level diplomatic efforts. Minister Diop will be received in audience by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, along with Minister Assan Badiallo Touré. She will also participate in a high-level meeting on "Advancing Social and Solidarity Economy," where the UN Secretary-General will present his report on the implementation of resolution 79/213.
The session will also provide an opportunity for Mali to celebrate its 66th anniversary of independence. The Malian flag will be raised at the Permanent Mission of Mali to the United Nations, and celebrations will take place across the United States. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) will also be a focus of diplomatic efforts, with a side event dedicated to the alliance and consultations between AES foreign ministers and their Russian counterpart, Serguei Lavrov.
Before departing for New York, Minister Diop held a coordination meeting at the Malian Permanent Mission to review key activities and strategic interests. He thanked the Mission's head, Issa Konfourou, for his warm welcome and preparation of the mission. The minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring the Malian voice is heard and its interests defended during the General Assembly session.
Minister Diop urged the delegation to promote a positive narrative about Mali and the AES, while correcting negative perceptions. He also stressed the need for a unified and collegial approach, considering the specific context of Mali and recent developments in the country. A speech on behalf of the Alliance of Sahel States will be delivered by Burkinabé Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré.
The Malian delegation's participation in the 81st UN General Assembly session aims to strengthen the country's diplomatic engagement and promote its interests on the international stage. The session will provide a platform for Mali to engage with other nations, international organizations, and stakeholders on key issues, including peace, security, and sustainable development.
Key points
- Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop leads delegation to 81st UN General Assembly session in New York.
- The session is themed "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: The United Nations in Service of All."
- Mali celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence during the session.
