UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Photo: VNA

Taking the oath of office in the General Assembly Hall, Mr. Guterres pledged his priority to to continue helping the world chart a course out of the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged countries to use this crisis to turn the tide, pivot towards a world that learns lessons, promotes a just, green and sustainable recovery and shows the way via increased and effective international cooperation to address global issues.

Mr. Guterres was the sole candidate from the UN’s 193 Member States to vie for its top job.  His next five-year term will start in January 2022.