About

The Secretary-General serves as the chief diplomat and spokesperson for the United Nations and its member states. The position was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter, and the first Secretary-General, Trygve Lie, took office in 1946. The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The selection process involves intense negotiations among member states, and the chosen candidate must receive majority support from both the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Secretary-General's term in office is five years, and there is no limit to the number of terms a person can serve. The Secretary-General's main responsibilities include promoting international cooperation, mediating conflicts, and advocating for human rights and sustainable development. They also oversee the work of the Secretariat and make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Security Council. Over the years, the role of the Secretary-General has evolved to meet the changing demands of the international community. Secretaries-General have played vital roles in addressing global issues such as decolonization, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian crises. They have also worked to advance gender equality, combat climate change, and promote international law and justice. Notable former Secretaries-General include Kofi Annan, who played a crucial role in reforming the United Nations and establishing the Millennium Development Goals, and Ban Ki-moon, who prioritized climate change and sustainable development during his tenure. The current Secretary-General is António Guterres, who took office in 2017 and has been focused on issues such as peacekeeping reform, gender parity, and preventive diplomacy. The Secretary-General of the United Nations holds a significant position in global governance, acting as a mediator, advocate, and administrator. Their leadership and diplomatic skills are critical in navigating the complex challenges faced by the international community and promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations.