Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will reach New York on September 17 to attend the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA78).

She will lead the Bangladesh delegation at the UNGA, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, who will accompany the PM, told reporters on Thursday.

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World leaders will gather in New York for the opening of the 78th session of the General Assembly (UNGA 78) under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustainability for all.”

The first day of the high-level General Debate will be held on September 19, Momen said in a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Like previous years, this time also the prime minister will deliver a speech on behalf of Bangladesh in the General Debate on September 22.

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In her speech, she will shed light on Bangladesh's incredible development progress, inclusive economic development, and success in the health sector.

In addition, issues related to world peace, security, safe migration, forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens’ crisis, establishment of climate justice will come up in her speech.

Also, like every year, this year also there is a possibility of holding several high-level meetings (High-level Meeting/High-level Debate) during the general debate phase in which the Prime Minister may participate.

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Active participation of the delegation of Bangladesh led by the Prime Minister in the 78th session of the United Nations is expected to strengthen Bangladesh's position in multilateral forums and broaden the field of international cooperation in matters related to Bangladesh's interests, Momen said.

The Prime Minister will attend a number of events including “Climate Ambition Summit”—a high-level breakfast summit on climate mobility at the invitation of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

To convey this message again to the world, Momen said, a side event titled “high-level side event on the Rohingya crisis” will be organised where the Prime Minister will deliver a speech.

The co-hosts of the event are Canada, Gambia, Turkey, UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and European Union.

Responding to a question, Momen said the US has invited the Prime Minister to attend a reception to be hosted by US President Joe Biden.

"We finalise such engagement at the final moment. Usually, she attends such events," he said.

The UN Secretary General, UNHCR chief and others will have meetings with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

She is expected to attend events like “Sheikh Hasina Initiative of Community Clinics: Innovative Approach to Achieving Universal Health Coverage Inclusive of Mental Health and Disabilities”, “Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response”  and high-level meeting on "Universal Health Coverage.”

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam also spoke. MoFA Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin and DGs of relevant wings were present.