As the world’s top diplomat UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has led the global forum in one of the trying phases of contemporary history, from the pandemic to conflicts and both the rise and fall of extreme political ideologies.
So, it seemed reasonable that he began his pitch for a second term with a call that the UN should “act as a catalyst and a platform for more inclusive, networked and effective forms of multilateralism.”
During his five-year term, Guterres saw the U.S. retreat from its global leadership, while Europe also saw the rise of far-right politics with globalization getting hit from economic protectionism to political exclusivism. It’s only the COVID-19 pandemic that has eclipsed some of the harm done to the liberal world order by deeply conservative politics – which many experts also see as a reaction to liberal global integration.
Before the pandemic took the world by surprise, some of the longstanding disputes including Kashmir and Palestine saw more suffering inflicted on the occupied people. Many powerful capitals in the East and the West refused to align their policies in accordance with the human rights charter and disregarded the UN leadership calls for respect for human rights. Trade wars between the U.S. and China have also hurt economic prospects.
Now one of the biggest setbacks from the coronavirus outbreak has been a loss of jobs and further aggravation of the poverty index.
Guterres noted the failures of globalization, growing inequality, and the man-made destruction of nature and the climate, saying these challenges had made him realize a “renewed social contract” was imperative.
“More and more people live within their own echo chambers. They are lured by misinformation, populism, extremism, xenophobia and racism”, he said.
In presenting himself to lead diplomacy as a panacea for problems, Guterres advocated a “humble approach” to deal with today’s multiple challenges, as an honest broker and bridge builder, focussed on solutions.
1 in 4 people in high-income countries have received a #COVID19 vaccine.
In lower-income countries, only 1 in 500 people have had access to a vaccine.
The virus is dangerous everywhere if it spreads unchecked anywhere.#OnlyTogether can we end the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/rr8Fm0LtWK
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 8, 2021
Guterres has a long diplomatic experience having served as Portuguese Prime Minister and head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) for over a decade. Currently, he is the only official candidate for the position, having been nominated by the Government of Portugal.
His seven competitors have been nominated by themselves and do not have the necessary backing of a UN member state.
According to UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir, an applicant can only become a candidate when a letter signed jointly by the presidents of the assembly and the Security Council is sent to all member states.
Guterres’ current 5-year term ends on Dec. 31.
“We are at a fragile moment, and it is absolutely clear to me that today’s complex challenges can only inspire a humble approach,” the 71-year-old campaigner told the UN General Assembly.
In accordance with the UN Charter, the Security Council makes its recommendation for filling the post, to the General Assembly, and since 1996, the Council recommendation has been unanimous.
The General Assembly formally appoints the Secretary-General through a resolution, which in the past has been submitted by the President of the General Assembly and adopted by consensus.
