United Nations Security Council formally approves Antonio Guterres

Antonio Guterres said during his campaign that if he got the job his aim would be to work with all countries to help solve the myriad problems on the global agenda.

Portugal’s former prime minister Antonio Guterres, who was formally approved on Thursday to be the next UN secretary-general, said he faces “huge challenges” and hopes to see unity and consensus during his term. Security Council President Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s UN ambassador, said Guterres was approved by acclamation for a 5-year term during a closed-door meeting on Thursday.

The Security Council’s recommendation now goes to the UN’s 193-member General Assembly, which is expected to vote on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s successor next week. Ban’s second 5-year term ends December 31.