GUTERRES GETS SECOND TERM AT UN
By Wilson Mulinda- The United Nations has unanimously re-elected ANTONIO GUTERRES to a second term as United Nations Secretary General, giving the Portuguese diplomat another five years at the helm of the global governance body.
The 193-member organisation has re-elected Mr. GUTERRES at a time the world is facing menacing conflicts, growing impact of climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic which is still causing economic and social terror and chaos among nations.
Mr. GUTERRES was re-elected for the second term by UN Member States through acclamation after emerging as the sole candidate for the position.
Estonian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador SVEN JURGENSON, who is the current Security Council President, read a resolution adopted by the 15-member Council recommending Mr. GUTERRES for a second term.
Under the UN Charter, the General Assembly elects the Secretary General on recommendations from the Security Council.
Immediately after his re-election and in his address to Member States, Mr. GUTERRES said he was aware of the immense responsibilities which had been bestowed on him at a critical time like now.
He warned that the greatest challenge, which he said was at the same time the greatest opportunity was to use the COVID-19 crisis to turn the tide and pivot towards a world that could promote a just, green and sustainable economic recovery.
He urged Member State to ensure there was equity in the distribution of vaccines, which he said should be made available for everyone everywhere in the world.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZNBC News by First Secretary Press at the Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations, WALLEN SIMWAKA.