The UN Secretary General oversees an organization that, despite limited resources and constant financial setbacks, is expected to seek solutions to most of the world's problems. In addition, the UN chief faces the daunting challenge of harmonizing the oft-competing interests of "big powers" and major donors such as the US while also addressing the concerns of smaller member states. Though the SG must accommodate the countries that dominate the global economy and politics, he must also demonstrate a commitment to multilateralism, recognizing it as a crucial tool for the global policy process.
The Secretary General: Ban Ki-moon: 2007 -
This page provides information on South Korea's Ban Ki-moon, who began his term as UN Secretary General on January 1, 2007.
Former Secretary General: Kofi Annan (1997 - 2006)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and some of his policy initiatives.
Former Secretary General: Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1992 - 1996)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.
Former Secretary General: Javier Perez de Cuellar (1982 - 1991)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General Javier Perez de Cuellar.
Former Secretary General: Kurt Waldheim (1972 - 1981)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim.
Former Secretary General: U Thant (1961 - 1971)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General U Thant.
Former Secretary General: Dag Hammarskjí¶ld (1953 - 1961)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjí¶ld.
Former Secretary General: Trygve Lie (1946 - 1952)
This page provides information on UN Secretary General Trygve Lie.
Management Reform
This links to GPF's page on Management Reform at the UN, which follows developments and analyses of the debate over leadership and renovation of the organization.
NGOs and the Secretary General
This page covers the relationship between NGOs and the Secretary General.
Links and Resources
This page provides links and resources on the UN Secretary General.
