Türk’s presentation lasted a total of two hours. This year, the hustings for Secretary General were held in public. In the past, the selection process was done behind closed doors.
Türk, a former President of Slovenia and a former senior official at the UN, hailed the UN’s informal dialogues as an important innovation. He also highlighted his more than 30 years of experience with the UN. Türk served as assistant Secretary General for political affairs during Kofi Annan’s stint as Secretary General.
UN should address the needs of all nations
During his 10-minute introductory speech, Türk outlined his vision for the UN’s future. He said that the UN must strive to address the needs of all the nations of the world. He stressed that the idea is not new, but this is the foundation that the organization should be built on.
Three vital partnerships
Türk highlighted three vital partnerships as the key to a Secretary General’s success: He said that the UN must successfully collaborate with member states, regional organizations and non-governmental entities, e.g. the private sector, civil society, and academia. He believes that this is especially important in today’s globalized world.
Focussing on peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights
Türk also highlighted three areas of priority that he believes the UN should focus on: international peace and security, sustainable development, as well as human rights and humanitarian efforts. He said that special attention should be paid to preventive diplomacy, adding that the General Assembly had broad powers, but these powers were seldom used.
Will do everything to justify the trust placed in him
He finished his presentation by stressing that if elected Secretary General, he will harness his extensive experience – as assistant Secretary General, President of Slovenia and professor of international law – to the benefit of the organization, and to justify the trust placed in him. “I will go out of my way to make my vision come true: to create a UN in which people come first,” Türk said.
B. V., A. V.; translated by D. V.
