The United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, responsible for special political and decolonization issues, has elected Senegalese Ambassador Coly Seck as its president for the 81st session of the General Assembly.
The election took place in New York on June 2, 2026, following the 85th plenary meeting of the 80th session. Member States also confirmed the President, Vice-Presidents, and leadership of the six main committees for 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 pledged to serve the UN with dedication during the 81st session. His leadership will guide discussions on critical global issues such as decolonization, peacekeeping operations, and the rights of displaced populations.
Key responsibilities of the Fourth Committee
The Fourth Committee oversees a broad range of matters, including:
- Decolonization processes and territories under foreign occupation
- Peacekeeping missions and special political operations
- Humanitarian challenges in conflict zones
- The Palestinian refugee crisis and Israeli settlement policies
- International cooperation in space exploration and nuclear safety
Ambassador Seck assumes this role as the UN prepares for its 81st General Assembly session in September 2026, amid calls for stronger multilateralism and global security.
Broader context of the session
During the same meeting, the General Assembly elected Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh as President of its 81st session. Following the vote, Rahman highlighted the pressing challenges facing the UN, including escalating conflicts, shrinking humanitarian access, and financial constraints.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the dual nature of the upcoming session, describing it as both challenging and full of potential. “The relentless efforts of diplomacy and dialogue within this Assembly renew my hope,” he stated, affirming that the UN can unite nations to address shared goals.
Leadership team for the 81st session
As Fourth Committee President, Ambassador Seck will work alongside a newly elected Bureau, including:
- Vice-Presidents: Fahad Mohammad Alajm (Kuwait), Deborah Maria Borg (Malta), and Andrei Nicolenco (Republic of Moldova)
- Rapporteur: Matthew Moxey (Bahamas)
This appointment reflects Senegal’s long-standing commitment to multilateral diplomacy and peacekeeping, with over 3,000 Senegalese military and police personnel currently deployed in UN missions worldwide.
