Morocco Secures First Seat in UN General Assembly’s 81st Session

The Kingdom of Morocco has been selected through a random draw to hold the prestigious first seat of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, set to convene in September in New York.

Historical Selection Process

During a plenary session at UN headquarters, Secretary-General António Guterres conducted the official draw that determined the country to lead the assembly’s opening proceedings. This tradition, long-standing within the UN, ensures equitable representation among member states.

«The Secretary-General has just announced the country chosen to occupy the first seat in the General Assembly hall for the upcoming session. That country is Morocco,» stated UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in a press briefing, highlighting the significance of the selection.

Concurrent Leadership Elections

The same plenary session also saw the election of Khalilur Rahman, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, as President of the 81st General Assembly. Additionally, several nations were selected to serve as vice-presidents for the session, including the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Egypt, Afghanistan, and Gabon.

UN General Assembly’s Role and Responsibilities

The UN General Assembly stands as the world’s most inclusive multilateral forum, comprising all 193 member states. Each nation holds equal voting rights, shaping critical decisions that impact global affairs. Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and approving the UN’s annual budget
• Electing non-permanent members to the Security Council
• Appointing the Secretary-General

With its diverse membership, the assembly serves as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and collective action on pressing international issues.