Security Council recommends re-appointment of UN Secretary-General

The Security Council announced today that it is recommending to the General Assembly that Ban Ki-moon be appointed to a second consecutive term as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In a closed-door meeting this morning at UN Headquarters in New York, the Council’s 15 members adopted by acclamation a resolution on extending Mr. Ban’s time in office.

The Council recommended that Mr. Ban serve a second term starting on 1 January 2012 and ending on 31 December 2016, Ambassador Nelson Messone of Gabon, which holds the Council’s rotating presidency this month, told journalists.

Under Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Security Council makes a recommendation and then the General Assembly makes a decision on the appointment. The consistent practice is that the Council recommends one candidate.

Speaking to reporters in Brazil, where he is on the final day of an official visit, Mr. Ban said he was “deeply honoured” by the Council’s vote.

“It is an immense privilege to serve this great Organization as Secretary-General, and I am grateful for the confidence and support,” he said.

“During the past four and a half years, we have worked closely with all the Member States, including the Security Council, to achieve progress on critical global issues of peace and security, development and human rights.

“I am proud of all we have done together, even as I am aware of formidable challenges ahead. In the 21st century, the United Nations matters in a different and deeper way.”

Mr. Ban, who has been in office since January 2007, is the eighth person to serve as UN Secretary-General.