Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York next week, marking his first major international appearance since taking office. This platform is seen as a key opportunity for Yunus to share his government’s economic plans and outline how the international community can assist in stabilizing and strengthening Bangladesh's economy.

Prof Yunus will lead a "small and functional" delegation to the UNGA, according to Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, who will accompany him during his brief stay in New York. Hossain noted that only those with direct responsibilities related to the UNGA will join the delegation.

While some bilateral meetings are expected on the sidelines, the scope may be limited due to the Chief Adviser’s short stay. "These meetings are usually finalized at the last moment," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. Yunus is expected to depart Dhaka early Tuesday.

South Asia expert Michael Kugelman described Yunus' participation at the UNGA as a significant moment for him to present his government's vision, particularly in terms of governance, economic reforms, and the restoration of democracy. “He will be speaking at the world’s biggest global platform since taking over the interim government,” said Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, Washington D.C.

Kugelman emphasized that Yunus’ address provides a crucial opportunity to highlight Bangladesh's key humanitarian challenge—the Rohingya refugee crisis. “It would be valuable for him to advocate for increased international assistance for Rohingya refugees, especially given the mounting pressures Bangladesh faces,” he said.

The 79th session of the UNGA opened on September 10, with the high-level General Debate set to begin on Tuesday, September 24.

Additionally, on September 22-23, world leaders will convene at UN Headquarters for the Summit of the Future to discuss global governance gaps and solutions to emerging global challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Member States to use this "once-in-a-generation" opportunity to address current issues and reform outdated international institutions.

Guterres urged countries to show a spirit of compromise, stressing the need to make global institutions more effective and fit for the modern world. He highlighted key breakthroughs, including the strongest language on Security Council reform in decades, governance measures for artificial intelligence, and advancements in reforming the international financial system.

“21st-century challenges require problem-solving mechanisms that are more effective, networked, and inclusive,” Guterres said, emphasizing that outdated systems must evolve to meet today’s needs.

More than 130 Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the Summit, with discussions on issues such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and the future of digital governance.