Bangladesh seeks to maximise gains at ADF 2026, steps up UNGA presidency campaign

Bangladesh is seeking to "maximise its diplomatic gains" through a series of high-level engagements at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 (ADF2026), with Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman attending the global gathering in Turkey, officials said.

The country aims to build support for its candidature for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) presidency while advancing bilateral relations, a senior official told UNB.

The 5th edition of the forum, hosted by Turkey's foreign ministry under the auspices of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will take place from 17 to 19 April in Antalya.

Foreign Minister Khalilur, who arrived in Turkey today (16 April) at the invitation of his counterpart Hakan Fidan, will attend the forum, join two panel discussions as a panellist and hold a number of bilateral meetings with counterparts from different countries.

Officials said the forum would be important in view of Bangladesh's candidature for the UNGA presidency.

The 81st session of the UNGA will open at a critical time, with multilateral cooperation facing challenges from geopolitical tensions, shifting balances of power and growing pressure on global institutions.

In his vision statement, Khalilur said the moment also presents opportunities to renew the promise of multilateralism.

"I am convinced that our world now needs a more effective and responsive multilateralism. By working together, we can build a more robust system that delivers tangible benefits for all," he said.

The election for the presidency of the UNGA will be held on 2 June, with the position to be filled from the Asia-Pacific Group under the UN's regional rotation system.

Officials said Bangladesh is trying to maximise meetings during the forum, alongside engagements with international organisations and media.

This year's forum, themed "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties", will bring together leaders, policymakers, diplomats and experts to discuss global trends, regional dynamics and ways to address emerging challenges.

The forum is expected to host representatives from more than 150 countries, including heads of state, ministers and senior officials from international organisations.

Brussels visit

After attending the three-day forum, the foreign minister will travel to Brussels to attend a signing event related to a "Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation" agreement between Bangladesh and the European Union.

The agreement aims to further institutionalise bilateral cooperation between the two sides.

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller recently met the foreign minister and discussed issues of mutual interest, including reform initiatives, migration management, skills development, rule of law and governance.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the longstanding Bangladesh-EU partnership and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation.

The agreement is expected to be initialled during the visit on 20 April.

Officials said the EU has conveyed its readiness to deepen relations with Bangladesh, including support for reforms, economic modernisation and managed migration.

On his way back, the foreign minister is expected to make a stopover in Addis Ababa and return to Bangladesh on 24 April.