Statement on the Security Council’s Recommendation of António Guterres as the Next Secretary-General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States congratulates António Guterres on his recommendation by the Security Council to be the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. We applaud the outstanding field of candidates, who spent many months presenting their visions for a better UN and a more peaceful and just world. The process this year encouraged an unprecedented number of women to enter the race and gave member states and civil society representatives the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates in an open setting – creating a more transparent and inclusive selection process that was long overdue.

The UN Secretary-General has an essential leadership role to play on the global stage. If appointed by the General Assembly, Mr. Guterres would inherit some of the most complicated challenges to peace, security, human rights, and development that the world has known, including the catastrophic attacks against civilians in Syria, violent horrors perpetrated by ISIL, advances in DPRK’s illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programs, a warming planet, severe breakdowns in governance in many parts of the world, and the displacement of more than 65 million people – the highest number since World War II. As the world’s conflicts become increasingly complex, Mr. Guterres will have to mobilize UN officials and member states alike to ensure that the UN invests in preventing and mediating the end of conflicts, and that UN peacekeeping missions actually protect the at-risk civilians who depend upon them.

The Secretary-General has a range of tools at his disposal to address contemporary challenges and to rally the member states of the organization to overcome their divisions and their narrow self-interest on behalf of what President Obama has called “our common security, common humanity.” In light of Mr. Guterres’ extensive track record solving real world problems, his deep empathy for those in need, and the respect he has earned in all corners of the world, the United States is confident that he is an excellent choice to oversee the United Nations through these uncertain times. We look forward to a constructive and fruitful partnership with Mr. Guterres in the years ahead.