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What is the role of the U.N. secretary-general?

Catch up with NBC News Clone on today's hot topic: Cfr United Nations Secretary General Wars Global Crises Rcna596990 - World News | NBC News Clone. Our editorial team reformatted this story for clarity and speed.

Appointed by the General Assembly’s 193 member states, the secretary-general serves as the chief administrative officer and de facto head of the United Nations.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses a UN General Assembly special session in 2025.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses a General Assembly special session in 2025. Li Rui / Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images file
By CFR Editors

This article was originally published on CFR.org and updated by NBC News

The United Nations’ top leadership position has broad authority to steer the organization’s agenda. Yet its impact has varied widely since 1946, shaped by global crises, political constraints, and personal diplomacy.

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