Sénégal leads un fourth committee with ambassador coly seck at helm

The United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, responsible for special political and decolonization issues, has appointed Ambassador Coly Seck of Sénégal 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. Alongside this appointment, the Assembly also selected the President, Vice-Presidents, and leadership for all six main committees of the upcoming session.

In a statement released by Sénégal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Seck expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and his team. He pledged to uphold the committee’s mandate with dedication throughout the 81st session.

Key responsibilities of the Fourth Committee

The Fourth Committee oversees critical global issues, including:

• Decolonization efforts
• Impact of ionizing radiation
• Information-related questions
• Peacekeeping operations and special political missions
• Relief and works for Palestine refugees
• Israeli practices in occupied territories
• International cooperation in peaceful space exploration

Ambassador Seck’s leadership comes at a pivotal time as the UN prepares for a consequential 81st session, set to open in September 2026. The session unfolds amid growing calls from member states to revitalize multilateralism, enhance organizational efficiency, and prioritize global peace and security.

Global context and leadership transitions

During the same session, Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh was elected President of the 81st session. Addressing member states, he highlighted the mounting challenges facing the UN, including escalating conflicts, shrinking humanitarian space, human rights setbacks, development stagnation, and financial constraints.

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, emphasized the dual nature of the upcoming session, describing it as both challenging and full of potential. “The relentless efforts in diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration within the Assembly renew my hope,” he stated, underscoring the UN’s capacity to turn divisions into collective action.

Committee leadership team

As president, Ambassador Seck will work alongside the elected Bureau for the 81st session, including:

• Vice-Presidents: Fahad Mohammad Alajm (Kuwait), Deborah Maria Borg (Malta), and Andrei Nicolenco (Republic of Moldova)
• Rapporteur: Matthew Moxey (Bahamas)

Sénégal’s election to this role reflects its long-standing commitment to multilateral diplomacy and UN peacekeeping. Official records indicate that Sénégal contributes over 3,000 military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, reinforcing its role as a key player in global security.