United Nations appoints Portugal's Antonio Guterres as next UN chiefRAFAEL MARCHANTE/REUTERS Former Portugal prime minister Antonio Guterres has been ratified as the United Nations' ninth secretary-general. The 193-member United Nations General Assembly unanimously appointed former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres on Thursday (Friday as the ninth secretary-general of the world body for five years beginning January 1, 2017. "Diversity can bring us together, not drive us apart," Guterres told the General Assembly. Guterres told the General Assembly that protection and empowerment of women and girls was a priority commitment. He has pledged to work toward gender parity within the United Nations.

Source: Stuff October 13, 2016 16:44 UTC