The United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, tasked with special political and decolonization matters, has appointed Senegalese diplomat Coly Seck as its president for the 81st session of the General Assembly.
This historic election took place in New York on June 2, 2026, following the 85th plenary meeting of the 80th General Assembly session. Member states also selected the president, vice presidents, and leadership for all six main committees of the upcoming session.
In a statement released by Senegal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Seck expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and his commitment to advancing the committee’s agenda during the 81st session. He emphasized his dedication to serving the UN with excellence and integrity.
Senegal’s leadership role in this prestigious position underscores the country’s growing influence in multilateral diplomacy. The Fourth Committee oversees critical global issues, including decolonization, the impact of ionizing radiation, information policies, peacekeeping operations, special political missions, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and concerns over Israeli settlement practices in occupied territories. Additionally, it addresses international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Ambassador Seck assumes this role as the UN prepares for a pivotal 81st General Assembly session opening in September 2026. The session unfolds against a backdrop of global calls for renewed trust in multilateralism, enhanced organizational effectiveness, and a steadfast focus on international peace and security.
During the same session, the General Assembly elected Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh as president of its 81st session. Rahman highlighted the pressing challenges facing the UN, including escalating conflicts, shrinking humanitarian space, human rights setbacks, development stagnation, and financial constraints.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Assembly, acknowledging the dual nature of the upcoming session—one of challenges and opportunities. “The hard work of diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration happening daily within these halls renews my hope,” he stated, affirming that the UN can turn divisions into collective action for shared goals.
As president of the Fourth Committee, Ambassador Seck will work alongside the elected bureau for the 81st session. The bureau includes Vice Presidents Fahad Mohammad Alajm of Kuwait, Deborah Maria Borg of Malta, and Andrei Nicolenco of the Republic of Moldova, along with Rapporteur Matthew Moxey of the Bahamas.
Senegal’s election to this position reflects its active role in multilateral diplomacy and UN peacekeeping efforts. Official records indicate that Senegal contributes over 3,000 military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
