Switzerland welcomes the election of António Guterres to the post of United Nations Secretary-General
Bern, 13.10.2016 - On 13 October 2016, António Guterres was elected to the post of UN Secretary-General by acclamation of the UN General Assembly. Switzerland, which hosts the European UN headquarters, warmly congratulates António Guterres on his appointment. It is looking forward to working with him and supporting him in the execution of his future duties.
Switzerland welcomes the election of António Guterres. The 9th UN Secretary-General will take office on 1 January 2017. Mr Guterres, who is Portuguese, brings to the job his extensive experience both as a statesman and within the UN. Between 2005 and 2015, he successfully headed the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Switzerland is delighted to offer its full support to Mr Guterres, and in particular to work with him in areas of priority to Switzerland, including international security issues and the need for reform within the UN. It will also work closely with the new Secretary-General to develop International Geneva's tremendous potential and the extent to which this centre of global governance benefits the United Nations system and the international community in areas such as peace and security, human rights, humanitarian work, migration and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
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