Legal Definitions - Secretary General

The Secretary General is the chief administrative and diplomatic officer of the United Nations (UN). This individual serves as the primary spokesperson and leader for the organization, overseeing its daily operations, managing its vast international staff, and representing the UN on the global stage. The selection process involves nomination by the UN Security Council and subsequent election by the UN General Assembly.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of the Secretary General:

• Example 1: Crisis Diplomacy
  When a severe humanitarian crisis erupts due to a conflict between two member states, the Secretary General might personally travel to the affected region. There, they would engage in intensive shuttle diplomacy, meeting with leaders from both sides to mediate a ceasefire, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and work towards a peaceful resolution. This demonstrates the Secretary General's role as the UN's chief diplomat and primary representative, actively working to de-escalate international conflicts and uphold global peace and security.

• Example 2: Administrative Oversight and Program Implementation
  The Secretary General is responsible for presenting the comprehensive annual budget for all UN operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian programs, and development initiatives, to the General Assembly for approval. After approval, they oversee the implementation of these diverse programs across various UN agencies, such as UNICEF or the World Food Programme, ensuring that the organization's strategic objectives, like achieving sustainable development goals, are met efficiently and effectively worldwide. This highlights their function as the chief administrative officer, managing the UN's vast resources and personnel.

• Example 3: Global Advocacy and Policy Shaping
  At a major international summit focused on climate change, the Secretary General delivers a keynote address to world leaders. In their speech, they outline the UN's latest scientific findings, urge member states to commit to more ambitious emissions reduction targets, and present new policy recommendations developed by UN experts to foster global cooperation. This illustrates the Secretary General's role as the principal spokesperson and advocate for the UN's values and goals, using their platform to influence international policy and mobilize global action on pressing issues.