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The next UN chief: A self-described man of acion
Mr Antonio Guterres was the United Nations high commissioner for refugees from 2005 to 2015, and earned a reputation for fighting for migrants' rights while pressing wealthy nations to do more to help them. PHOTO: REUTERS
PUBLISHED OCT 10, 2016, 5:00 AM SGT
LISBON • The United Nations' next chief is a self-described man of action who earned his stripes as the world body's refugee champion, tirelessly pressing rich nations to do more.
Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres, who last Thursday received the unanimous support of the UN Security Council, has been hailed as the best candidate for the challenging job.
The man he succeeds, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, 72, described Mr Guterres as a "super choice".
"I am sure he will carry the torch on the full range of key challenges, from strengthening peace operations to achieving sustainable development, upholding human rights and easing humanitarian suffering," Mr Ban told reporters.
An engineer by training and a fervent Catholic, Mr Guterres, 67, fought unflaggingly for migrants' rights during a decade as UN high commissioner for refugees, from 2005 to 2015.
http://www.straitstimes.com/world/the-next-un-chief-a-self-described-man-of-action