The United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, responsible for special political affairs and decolonization, has appointed Senegalese Ambassador Coly Seck as its president for the 81st session. The election took place in New York on June 2, 2026, following the 85th plenary meeting of the 80th session of the General Assembly.
During the same session, the Assembly also elected the President, Vice-Presidents, and the bureaux of its six main committees for the upcoming term. In a statement shared by Senegal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Seck expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and his commitment to serving the UN to the best of his abilities throughout the session.
Key responsibilities of the Fourth Committee
The Fourth Committee oversees a broad spectrum of critical global issues, including:
- Decolonization efforts worldwide
- Impacts of ionizing radiation
- Information-related matters
- Peacekeeping operations
- Special political missions
- UNRWA’s humanitarian work for Palestinian refugees
- Israeli practices in occupied territories
- International cooperation for peaceful uses of outer space
Senegal’s leadership in global peacekeeping
Ambassador Seck assumes this role as the UN prepares for a pivotal 81st General Assembly session, opening in September 2026. The session arrives at a time when member states are increasingly calling for renewed trust in multilateralism, enhanced organizational efficiency, and sustained focus on international peace and security.
During the same meeting, the General Assembly elected Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh as President of its 81st session. In his remarks, the newly elected President highlighted the UN’s ongoing challenges, citing escalating conflicts, shrinking humanitarian space, human rights setbacks, development slowdowns, and financial constraints facing the organization.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Assembly, emphasizing both the challenges and opportunities ahead. “The hard work of diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration happening daily within this Assembly renews my hope,” he stated, adding that the UN has the power to turn divisions into collective determination toward shared goals.
Composition of the Fourth Committee’s Bureau
As president of the Fourth Committee, Ambassador Seck will work alongside the elected Bureau for the 81st session, which includes:
- Vice-Presidents: Fahad Mohammad Alajm (Kuwait), Deborah Maria Borg (Malta), and Andrei Nicolenco (Republic of Moldova)
- Rapporteur: Matthew Moxey (Bahamas)
Senegal’s election to this position reflects the country’s 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, underscoring its commitment to global stability.