Senegalese diplomat coly seck elected to lead un’s fourth committee

The United Nations Fourth Committee, tasked with addressing special political matters and decolonization issues, has appointed Senegalese Ambassador Coly Seck as its chair for the 81st session of the General Assembly.

This historic election took place in New York on June 2, 2026, following the 85th plenary meeting of the 80th session. Member States also finalized the selection of the President, Vice-Presidents, and leadership teams for the six main committees of the upcoming Assembly session.

In a statement issued by Senegal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Ambassador Seck expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by fellow Member States and the Fourth Committee Bureau. He pledged to dedicate his efforts to advancing the UN’s mission throughout the 81st session.

The Fourth Committee oversees critical global concerns, including decolonization, the impact of ionizing radiation, information policies, peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. It also addresses Israeli practices affecting Palestinian rights, as well as international cooperation on peaceful space exploration.

Ambassador Seck assumes this leadership role as the UN prepares for a pivotal 81st session in September 2026. The session arrives amid growing calls from Member States to revitalize multilateralism, enhance organizational efficiency, and prioritize international peace and security.

The same session saw the election of Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh as President of the 81st General Assembly. Following his appointment, President-elect Rahman highlighted the Organization’s mounting challenges, including escalating conflicts, shrinking humanitarian access, human rights setbacks, stalled development progress, and financial constraints.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Assembly, emphasizing the dual nature of the upcoming session. “The relentless diplomacy, dialogue, and collaboration within this hall renew my hope,” he stated, underscoring the UN’s potential to turn divisions into collective action toward shared goals.

As Chair of the Fourth Committee, Ambassador Seck will collaborate with the elected Bureau for the 81st session. The leadership team includes Vice-Presidents Fahad Mohammad Alajm of Kuwait, Deborah Maria Borg of Malta, and Andrei Nicolenco of the Republic of Moldova, along with Rapporteur Matthew Moxey of the Bahamas.

Senegal’s election to this role reflects its long-standing commitment to multilateral diplomacy and UN peacekeeping efforts. Official records show that Senegal currently contributes over 3,000 military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.