On 13 October 2016, the United Nations General Assembly formally appointed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General for a five-year term beginning on 1 January 2017.
The General Assembly, which adopted its resolution by consensus, was acting on the recommendation of the UN Security Council, which on 6 October 2016 forwarded Mr Guterres’ name as its nominee for UN Secretary-General. Mr Guterres will hold the post for a five-year term ending on 31 December 2021. He previously served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees (from 2005 to 2015) and prime minister of Portugal (from 1995 to 2002).
For the UN’s press announcement, click here.