THE SECRETARIATE | UNITED NATIONS

 

This article has made a comprehensive and detailed study about the Secretariat of the United Nations concluding its composition, appointment of Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General and other members of Secretariat, functions and legal status of Members.

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

The Secretary is a principal organ of the United Nations. The provisions regarding the Secretariat are laid down under Chapter XV of the Charter.

 

At the heart of one of the world’s most significant international organizations lies the United Nations Secretariat. Often shrouded in mystery, the Secretariat serves as the administrative arm of the United Nations (UN), playing a pivotal role in facilitating diplomacy, coordinating initiatives, and implementing policies to address global challenges. As an impartial and neutral entity, the Secretariat functions as the backbone of the UN, ensuring its effectiveness in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development on a global scale.

 

2. BIRTH OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARIAT

 

The United Nations was established on October 24, 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, with the primary objective of preventing future conflicts and fostering cooperation among nations. The UN Charter, signed by 51 countries, outlined the organization's structure, functions, and responsibilities. The Secretariat was created as a key organ under the Charter's provisions, responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of the UN.

 

3. COMPOSITION

 

Article 97 of the Charter provides that the Secretariat shall comprise a Secretary-General and such staff as the Organization may require. The above implies that the Secretariat is the office comprised of the Secretary-General and the members of the Staff. Although Secretary-General is also a member of the Secretariat's staff, he has been mentioned separately because he is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization.

 

Secretariat's staff may be divided broadly into three categories. Firstly, Senior Administrative Officials such as the Secretary-General and his deputies; secondly, international officials of the specialists class; and thirdly, technical persons such as secretaries, typists and courier etc. The system of the appointment of the Secretary-General and of other members of the Secretariat is different.

 

4. APPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

the appointment process for the Secretary-General of the United Nations involves several steps and principles aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent selection. It's important to note that this information might be outdated, and I recommend checking the latest sources for the most current information on the process. Here is a general overview of how the Secretary-General is appointed:

 

1. Nominations: The process typically begins with member states proposing candidates for the position of Secretary-General. In the past, the selection has been made in a more secretive manner, but over time, there have been calls for greater transparency and involvement of the broader UN membership.
2. Selection by the Security Council: The nominations are then reviewed by the United Nations Security Council, which is composed of five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members. The Security Council discusses the candidates and, through a series of straw polls, narrows down the list to a single candidate. It's worth mentioning that any of the five permanent members have the power to veto a candidate.
3. Recommendation to the General Assembly: The candidate selected by the Security Council is then recommended to the United Nations General Assembly for approval. The General Assembly, which comprises all UN member states, must confirm the nominee with a simple majority.
4. Appointment: Once the General Assembly approves the candidate, the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council jointly sign a letter confirming the appointment. The candidate then becomes the new Secretary-General and assumes office.
5. Term Duration: The term of the Secretary-General is five years, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.

 

The process has been evolving, and in recent years, there have been calls for more openness, transparency, and inclusivity in the selection process. Some organizations and civil society groups have advocated for the involvement of the broader UN membership, such as conducting public hearings with candidates and allowing them to present their vision and plans for the organization.

 

5. FUNCTIONS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

The Secretary-General of the United Nations is the chief administrative officer of the organization and holds a crucial role in promoting the UN's objectives and principles. The functions of the Secretary-General include:

 

1. Diplomacy and Advocacy: The Secretary-General serves as a global diplomat, engaging in diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among member states. They advocate for peaceful resolutions to conflicts and crises and highlight pressing global issues, such as poverty, climate change, human rights abuses, and other challenges that require collective action.
2. Conflict Prevention and Resolution: As a neutral and impartial figure, the Secretary-General plays a key role in preventing and mediating conflicts among nations. They may engage in shuttle diplomacy and backchannel communications to facilitate dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to disputes.
3. Reporting to the UN Organs: The Secretary-General reports to the principal organs of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). They provide updates on the work of the organization, challenges faced, and progress made in implementing various initiatives.
4. Coordination of UN Activities: The Secretary-General oversees the work of the various specialized agencies, funds, and programs within the UN system. They ensure that these entities work together in a coordinated manner to address global challenges effectively.
5. Budget and Resource Management: The Secretary-General is responsible for managing the financial resources of the UN and ensuring transparent and efficient allocation of funds to various programs and initiatives.
6. Setting Priorities and Policies: The Secretary-General identifies and sets priorities for the organization based on the evolving global situation. They play a crucial role in shaping the UN's policies and strategies to address emerging challenges.
7. Engaging with Member States and Civil Society: The Secretary-General maintains active communication with member states, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to garner support for UN initiatives and foster partnerships to address global issues collectively.
8. Promoting Sustainable Development: The Secretary-General plays a central role in advancing the UN's sustainable development agenda, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges.
9. Humanitarian Efforts: In times of crises and disasters, the Secretary-General mobilizes humanitarian assistance and coordinates relief efforts to provide aid to affected populations.
10. Representing the UN: The Secretary-General represents the United Nations at various international conferences, summits, and other high-level events, advocating for the organization's principles and initiatives on the global stage.

 

Overall, the Secretary-General acts as a moral authority, bridging gaps between nations, and working towards a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Their role is pivotal in advancing the mission and values of the United Nations and promoting international cooperation and understanding.

 

6. APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

The Secretary-General in December 1977 created a post of Deputy Secretary-General to assist him in managing the operations of the Secretariat. The post of the Deputy Secretary-General shall be an integral part of the office of the Secretary-General. The Deputy will be appointed by the Secretary-General following consultations with member States for a term not to exceed that of the Secretary-General. The Deputy will support the Secretary-General in ensuring coherence of activities and programmes and in elevating the profile and leadership of the United Nations in the economic and social spheres, and as a leading centre for development policy and development assistance. Following shall be other functions of the Deputy Secretary-General:

 

1. The Deputy Secretary-General will act for the Secretary-General at United Nations Headquarters in his or her absence.
2. The Deputy Secretary-General will represent the Head of the United Nations at conferences, official functions and ceremonial occasions
3. The Deputy Secretary-General shall also undertake other assignments as determined by the Secretary-General.

 

Louise Frechette of Canada was appointed by the Secretary-General Kofi Annan on January 12, 1998 the first person to hold the post of Deputy Secretary-General. Asha Rose Migiro of Tanzania was appointed the Deputy Secretary-General by the Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in 2007.

 

7. APPOINTMENT OF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SECRETARIAT

 

It is evident that the Secretary-General is not able to perform all the functions conferred upon him by the Charter personally. He needs deputies and assistants. As to the assistants the Charter provides for a staff of the Secretariat which according to Article 101 Para (1) shall be appointed by the Secretary-General under regulations established by the General Assembly. The staff permanently assigned to the Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, and as required to other organs of the United Nations shall form a part of the Secretariat according to Article 101 Para (2). Para (3) of the above Article provides that the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff and in the determination of the conditions of service shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard shall be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide as geographical basis as possible.

 

The selection and appointment of the Secretary-General are critical as the individual chosen plays a crucial role in shaping the direction and effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing global challenges and advancing peace and development worldwide.

 

9. LEGAL STATUS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SECRETARIAT

 

In order to enable the members of the Secretariat to perform their functions independently Article 100 Para (1) of the Charter provides that in the performance of their duties the Secretary-General and the staff shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any authority external to the Organisation. They shall refrain from any action which might reflect on their position as international officials responsible only to the Organisation. Article 100 Para (2) lays down that each member of the United Nations undertakes to respect the exclusively international character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff and not to seek to influence them in the discharge of their responsibilities.

 

8. CONCLUSION

 

The United Nations Secretariat is an indispensable pillar of global diplomacy, striving to bring about a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world. Through its tireless efforts in coordination, mediation, and implementation, the Secretariat plays a crucial role in shaping the UN's impact on the international stage. As the world continues to face complex challenges, the effective functioning of the Secretariat remains crucial in facilitating multilateral cooperation and collective action towards a brighter future for all nations.