By Caribbean News Global 
NEW YORK, USA – António Guterres on Friday was re-appointed to a second term as UN Secretary-General, taking the oath of office in the General Assembly Hall, Guterres said he was aware of the immense responsibilities bestowed on him at this critical moment in history.
He noted that the past eighteen months have been unique in the history of the United Nations. “we are truly at a crossroads, with consequential choices before us. Paradigms are shifting. Old orthodoxies are being flipped,” he said
Guterres told ambassadors: “We are writing our own history with the choices we make right now. It can go either way: breakdown and perpetual crisis or breakthrough and prospect of a greener, safer and better future for all. There are reasons to be hopeful.
“First, because of the incredible commitment I have witnessed time and again of United Nations colleagues serving tirelessly around the world, ensuring seamless business continuity during the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. I know this has not been easy for most of our colleagues.
Let me start by paying wholehearted tribute to them, their hard work, often in dangerous or stressful situations, and often away from their families and loved ones.
Their sacrifice for the common cause is remarkable. Let me also in particular remember and honor United Nations personnel, women and men, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
My colleagues are indeed the greatest asset we have, and we need to cherish and recognize this with deep gratitude and appreciation. We are in this together – with unity in purpose and solidarity.
“Second, despite all the differences and divides, we have shown that we can come together to agree on shared goals and solve common problems. We have managed together to embark on an important reform process in the development, management, as well as peace and security areas of the UN. The reform endeavors have equipped us better to tackle the current crisis.
Yet it is also clear that continuous improvement needs to be the norm.
We need to consolidate the current reforms, build on their results and continue to develop new methods of work to be able to deliver to the world. I have talked about a United Nations 2.0, and it is clear to me that we need to accelerate transformation through a quintet of change in the years ahead: better data, analysis and communications; innovation and digital transformation; strategic foresight; stronger performance and results orientation; and a work culture that reduces unnecessary bureaucracy, simplifies and fosters a work of collaboration.
Equally, we need to live for a much more aligned and integrated UN that works seamlessly across the various pillars of the Organization.
A UN that is transparent and accountable.
A UN that makes available more effectively its remarkable data set, analytical capacity, policy and normative developments, as well as its operational engagement – in a spirit of creativity and openness. I count on your full support for this much needed next iteration of the UN.
“Third, in the UN75 Declaration you have given me a mandate to report back to you on how to advance our Common Agenda to respond better to current and future challenges. You did this in the realization that something fundamental has to change. And indeed I sense there is a momentum for some of the most profound transformations to take place. Let us sixteen it – together.”
In a press statement, US Department of State, said: “On behalf of the United States, I am pleased to congratulate United Nations secretary-general António Guterres on his re-appointment [today] by the General Assembly to serve a second term. Secretary-General Guterres has proven a capable leader in a demanding role.
“The United Nations is an indispensable anchor of the multilateral system. It provides a vital framework through which member states work together to meet such unprecedented challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, human rights, development, migration, and humanitarian crises. These and other priorities that member states must address require a collaborative, effective, and results-oriented leader in the United Nations Secretariat, and we have that in António Guterres.
“The United States looks forward to continuing our strong and constructive relationship with secretary-general Guterres as we advance the urgent task of bringing about a more peaceful world and prosperous future.”
