LOC18:35
15:35 GMT
Antonio Guterres
NEW YORK, Oct 13 (KUNA) - Considering the recommendation contented in the latest Security Council resolution 2311, and its recommendation, the General Assembly appointed by acclamation the Portuguese Antonio Guterres to be the ninth Secretary General.
At the UN General Assembly main hall, member states gathered appointing the successor of UN chief Ban Ki-moon. The GA welcomed the process of selection and appointment of the Secretary General and its timely conclusion, guided by the principles of transparency and inclusivity as set out in its past resolutions in this matter, including the organization of informal dialogues with all candidates for the position of Secretary General.
The President of General Assembly 71st session Peter Thomson congratulated the designate on emerging as the best candidate from such an historically rigorous and comprehensive process.
"Guterres embodies the highest standards of competence, integrity and leadership needed for the position," he said.
Thomson affirmed that Guterres' dedication to the high ideals and common values of the United Nations is beyond doubt. Thomson expressed confidence that Guterres will serve the global community with dedication, as a moral authority, and be the voice of the collective conscience and humanity, throughout his term.
Warmly congratulating Guterres on his election, Ban on this occasion told the gathered members that he have long valued his advice and long admired his spirit of service. "He is a wonderful choice to steer this Organization as we build on the progress of the past decade while addressing the insecurity and uncertainties of today's world," he said.
As he prepare to hand over the baton of leadership, Ban said he know that Member States, the outstanding women and men of the United Nations, and the people of the world are all looking forward to Guterres tenure with confidence and excitement.
On behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group, its Chair Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi the Permanent Representative of Kuwait, addressed the GA thanking the outgoing Chief Ban praising his efforts and service.
"He has inspired a global development for the future through the advancement in areas of women empowerment, gender equality, human rights and climate change," he added.
On Guterres' election, Al-Otaibi said it signals an era of change at the United Nations. As a momentous selection procedure was initiated this year, which involved public hearings and informal dialogues, a Global Town Hall meeting and meetings with all of the United Nations regional groups, Al-Otaibi noted that it never has the election process been more "open and transparent." Over six straw polls in the Security Council, Guterres was a clear favorite for the position, he added.
The Asia-Pacific Group welcomed the Secretary General-designate Guterres, and wish him success in fulfilling this central role in an exceedingly critical time in the history of the UN. "Guterres' undeniable commitment is a stronghold to the platform and priorities he envisions to establish," he said.
The Member States of the Asia-Pacific Group pledged its firm support to him in encountering new and emerging challenges that lie ahead.
In closing his remarks, Al-Otaibi affirmed that terrorism, violent extremism, xenophobia, racism, religious intolerance, and its ramifications has been a daunting concern worldwide and is one of the foremost issues that the Secretary General-designate need to raise awareness in countering the threats it imposes through international cooperation.
Giving the floor to Guterres, he pledged to make human dignity the core of his work, and the core of the UN's common work.
"I am fully aware of the challenges the UN faces and the limitations surrounding the Secretary-General," he said.
Guterres affirmed that the dramatic problems of today's complex world can only inspire a humble approach - one in which the him alone neither has all the answers, nor seeks to impose his views. "One in which the Secretary-General makes his good offices available, working as a convener, a mediator, a bridge-builder and an honest broker to help find solutions that benefit everyone involved," he added.
The designated Secretary General said he have faith in the UN, because he believe in the universal values its stands for: peace, justice, human dignity, tolerance and solidarity. Based on these values, he told member states that he believe that diversity in all its forms is a tremendous asset, and not a threat; that in societies that are more and more multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious, "diversity can bring us together, not drive us apart."
Earlier on February, the Government of Portugal presented the candidature of Guterres for his proven leadership and managerial abilities, extensive experience in international relations and strong diplomatic, communication and multilingual skills.
The upcoming Secretary General comes to office with an experienced resume demonstrating his ability to deal with critical and challenging problems threatening world peace and security as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (2005-2015).
During the ten and a half years of his mandate as UN High Commissioner for Refugees he maintained excellent cooperation-with Member States and developed strong partnerships with civil society and the private sector.
Before joining UNHCR, Guterres spent more than 20 years in government and public service. He was Portugal's Prime Minister from 1995 to 2002, and briefly presided over the European Council in early 2000. He also founded the Portuguese Refugee Council in 1991.
Guterres was elected to the Portuguese Parliament in 1976 where he served as a member for 17 years. During that time, he chaired the Parliamentary Committee for Economy, Finance and Planning, and later the Parliamentary Committee for Territorial Administration, Municipalities and Environment. He was also leader of his party's parliamentary group.
He is born in Lisbon in 1949, and graduated from the Instituto Superior Tecnico with a degree in engineering. He speaks Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. (pickup previous)
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