Antonio Guterres sworn in as UN secretary-general

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres was sworn in as the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations on Monday. Guterres noted in a speech that he was taking office at a time when people across the world were losing confidence in their leaders and institutions.
“It is time to reconstruct relations between people and leaders – national and international – it’s time for leaders to listen and show that they care about their own people and about the global stability and solidarity on which we all depend,” Guterres said after reading the oath of office.
“It is time for the United Nations to do the same – to recognize its shortcomings and reform the way it works…The UN must be willing to change,” he said.
Guterres promised that his tenure would focus on three key areas: streamlining the internal functions of the UN, cultivating peace, and promoting sustainable development. He also downplayed the power of the secretary-general in comparison to that of the member states.
The one-time UN High Commissioner for Refugees is taking over from the outgoing Ban Ki-moon.

 

Read More: Antonio Guterres sworn in as UN secretary-general | News | DW.COM | 12.12.2016