Prelims: (UN Secretary + CA)
Mains: (GS Paper 2 –Important International Institutions, agencies and fora - their Structure, Mandate ) |
Why in the News ?
The United Nations has officially initiated the global selection process for appointing the next Secretary-General (SG), who will assume office in January 2027, following the conclusion of Antonio Guterres’s second term on 31st December 2026.
Who is the UN Secretary-General ?
About
- The Secretary-General is the chief administrative officer of the UN under Article 97 of the UN Charter.
- Functions as a global diplomat, administrator, advocate for peace, and the public voice for vulnerable populations.
- Although not legally required, the office typically follows a regional rotation principle.
- No woman has ever held the post, prompting growing demands for a woman SG.
How is the Secretary-General Selected ?
Initiation of the Nomination Process
- The Presidents of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Security Council (UNSC) jointly invite Member States to nominate candidates.
- Each nominee must submit:
- A vision statement
- A curriculum vitae
- Campaign financing disclosures
Security Council Screening
- The UNSC conducts informal consultations followed by secret straw polls marking candidates as:
- Encourage
- Discourage
- No opinion
- Ballots cast by the P5 members (US, UK, Russia, China, France) are colour-coded to indicate potential vetoes.
Threshold for Recommendation
- A candidate requires:
- At least 9 votes, and
- No veto by any P5 member
- Upon consensus, the UNSC adopts a formal resolution recommending one candidate to the General Assembly.
Appointment by the UNGA
- The UNGA appoints the SG by simple majority or acclamation.
- Term: Five years, usually renewable once.
What Does the Secretary-General Do ?
Administrative & Executive Responsibilities
- Heads the UN Secretariat, managing global staff, budgets, and field operations.
- Chairs the UN System Chief Executives Board (CEB) to ensure coordination across UN agencies.
- Implements tasks assigned by the UNSC, UNGA, ECOSOC, and other UN bodies.
- Under Article 99, can bring matters threatening peace directly to the UNSC—one of the SG’s most significant powers.
Diplomatic & Peacebuilding Role
- Uses “good offices” to mediate conflicts, engage in backchannel diplomacy, and support peace negotiations.
- Meets governments, civil society, and conflict-affected communities to gather insights and build trust.
Symbolic & Advocacy Role
- Acts as the moral voice of the UN—championing peace, human rights, climate action, gender equality, and global cooperation.
- Balances Member States’ political concerns while upholding Charter values.
FAQs
1. Who appoints the UN Secretary-General ?
The UN General Assembly, based on a recommendation from the UN Security Council, officially appoints the Secretary-General.
2. Can a P5 member block a candidate ?
Yes. Any permanent member of the Security Council—US, UK, Russia, China, or France—can veto a candidate during the straw poll phase.
3. How long is the Secretary-General’s term?
The SG serves a five-year term, typically renewable once, although this is based on convention rather than law.
4. Has any woman served as Secretary-General ?
No. Despite increasing global support, no woman has ever been appointed as SG.
5. What is the SG’s power under Article 99 ?
Article 99 empowers the SG to bring to the Security Council’s attention any matter that may threaten international peace and security, even without a member state's request.
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