“I know Guterres very well and consider him a superb choice,” Ban said after talks in Rome with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The new UN chief has “deep compassion,” ability to work “around the clock,” a “wide knowledge of world affairs” and a “lively intellect,” Ban said. The outgoing secretary-general looked back at his record and at the looming entry into force of the Paris Climate Agreement.
“Climate change has been my top priority throughout my 10 years in office,” he said. Ban listed strengthening peace operations, achieving sustainable development, upholding human rights and easing humanitarian suffering as challenges for Guterres, whose nomination dashes hopes of the UN picking its first-ever female leader. “As the ninth man to serve as secretary general, Guterres has a special responsibility to include, support and empower the world’s women and girls,” said Ban.
António Guterres, 67, the
former socialist prime minister of Portugal who led the United Nations High
Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) from 2005 to 2015, will succeed Ban Ki-moon as
the ninth secretary-general of the UN.
His name was officially
recommended today by the UN Security Council, an assembly composed of 15
country delegates, five of which are permanent members—the P5—with power to
veto its decisions. They reached their decision after six rounds of unofficial
“straw polls” spread over several months. Yesterday, announcing the results of
the sixth straw poll, Vitaly Churkin, the Russian ambassador to the UN, said
that Guterres had emerged as a clear favorite.
Photo shows New UN Secretary General, António Guterres who was High Commissioner for Refugees for 10 years. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Ban Ki-moon out as Antonio Guterres resumes as new UN Secretary General
Reviewed by Unknown
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Thursday, October 06, 2016
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Reviewed by Unknown
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Thursday, October 06, 2016
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