Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres was sworn in on 12th Dec as Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming the ninth U.N. chief in the body’s 71-year history.
The former U.N. refugee chief was elected to the top job by acclamation in the General Assembly in October. He will take over duties from Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1.
After being sworn in by General Assembly President John William Ashe, Guterres addressed the 193 member nations.
The swearing-in came after the 193 General Assembly members paid tribute to Ban, ending with a standing ovation for the native South Korean.
Ban served two five-year terms.
