By President of the UN Security Council at the month of June Estonian Ambassador Sven Jürgenson
Mr President,
It is an honour for me, in my capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of June, to address the General Assembly in order to convey the recommendation of the Security Council for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
At its 8789th meeting, held in private on 8 June, the Security Council adopted resolution 2580 (2021) concerning the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Resolution 2580 (2021) reads as follows: “The Security Council, “Having considered the question of the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, “Recommends to the General Assembly that Mr. António Guterres be appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations for a second term of office from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2026.” Following the adoption, this information was conveyed to the President of the General Assembly in my letter dated 8 June 2021, found in document A/75/912.
In the joint letter of the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly dated 5 February 2021, the Council pledged to conclude its part in the selection process in a timely manner, so that the appointment by the Assembly would allow the appointed Secretary-General sufficient time to prepare for the term in office. The Council is pleased that by adopting its recommendation for the appointment on 8 June the Council met that objective.
A communication was received by the Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council from the Permanent Mission of Portugal dated 24 February presenting the candidature of Mr. Antonio Guterres for a second term as Secretary-General of the United Nations. Mr Guterres was the only candidate presented by a member state of the United Nations. An informal dialogue with Mr Guterres and the members of the Security Council took place on 18 May. Members of the Security Council found this dialogue meaningful and productive.
The Security Council adopted resolution 2580 (2021) by acclamation. Accordingly, the members of the Security Council expressed their unconditional support for Mr. António Guterres. In the Council’s view Antonio Guterres corresponds to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and a firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
On behalf of the Council I would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for his close cooperation during this important process that is guided by the Charter, General Assembly resolution 69/321, and subsequent related General Assembly resolutions. The Council approached this process guided by the principles of transparency and inclusivity. I would like to thank you, President, for having convened this meeting expeditiously following the recommendation made to the General Assembly by the Security Council.
Thank you.