Guterres, a staunch and unyielding champion of democracy, sustainable development and human rights, is also a natural bridge-builder, always ready to bring acumen, subtlety and moderation to every task. Moreover, he has shown a steadfast readiness and willingness to take on the formidable responsibilities that come with the position in a world faced with multiple global challenges andtrans national threats.
Guterres becomes the first former Head of Government to become United Nations Secretary General.
With vast national and international experience across a range of areas, most recently as the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees, Guterres has worked tirelessly to tackle the increasingly difficult and complex refugee crisis, urging the world’s richest countries to do more for those fleeing conflict and disaster and alerting of the evident links between this and so many of the other challenges facing the world – rising inequality, terrorism, climate change – and the growing vulnerability of so many.
Of the thirteen other candidates that vied for the position of UN Secretary General, we are also proud to have had two other Members - Danilo Turk, former President of Slovenia and Helen Clark, former PM of New Zealand
As Ban Ki-moon prepares to leave the UN, after two five-year terms, the Members and staff of the Club de Madrid wish to thank him for his efforts in achieving a better world and for the support received from the UN System during the past ten years in so many areas of shared work and concern – terrorism, climate change, social inclusion, sustainability, peace.
Once again, congratulations to Antonio Guterres as he comes to the helm of the UN System. We wish him the best, certain that he will be a strong and effective leader and naturally offer him all our support.
