New York, Sept. 10 -- Warning that the multilateral global order and its institutions are straining under geopolitical mistrust, ongoing conflicts, and slashed aid funding, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that rebuilding faith in international cooperation remains "the defining challenge of our time."

Addressing delegates at the opening of the eighty-first session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Guterres offered full backing to President of the 81st General Assembly session Khalilur Rahman of Bangladesh while outlining the urgent, interlocking crises confronting the international community.

Guterres welcomed President Khalilur Rahman, praising his political experience and commitment to consensus-buildin...