Leadership Positions in the Secretariat

Leadership Positions in the UN Secretariat to Include in GA Simulations

Secretary-General (SG)

Equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO, the Secretary-General (SG) is a symbol of UN ideals. They are also a representative for the interests of the world’s peoples, in particular the poor and vulnerable. The GA appoints the Secretary-General based upon the SC’s recommendation.

The UN Charter describes the Secretary-General as “chief administrative officer” of the UN, who shall act in that capacity and perform “such other functions as are entrusted” to her or him by the SC, the GA, ECOSOC, and other UN organs. The UN Charter also empowers the Secretary-General to “bring to the attention of the SC any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.” These guidelines both define the powers of the office and grant it considerable scope for action. The Secretary-General would fail if they did not take careful account of the concerns of Member States. Yet the Secretary-General must also uphold the UN’s values and moral authority. They must also speak and act for peace—even at the risk of challenging or disagreeing with Member States.

The Secretary-General’s day-to-day work includes:

1. Attendance at sessions of UN bodies
2. Consultations with world leaders, State officials, and civil society representatives
3. Official visits to States and territories intended to keep him or her in touch with issues facing people internationally or locally
4. Issuing a report on the work of the UN that relates to its activities and outlines future priorities

The Secretary-General is also Chair of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB) that brings together all UN funds, programmes, and specialized agencies to coordinate action. One of the most vital roles played by the Secretary-General is the use of “good offices.” These are both public and private steps taken to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating, or spreading.

Each UN Member State undertakes to respect the international character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff. They also undertake to refrain from influencing the Secretary-General and staff in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Deputy-Secretary-General (DSG)

The GA established the post of DSG to help manage UN Secretariat operations, and to ensure coherence of activities and programmes. The post was also established to elevate the organization’s profile and leadership in the economic and social spheres.

The DSG’s main duty is to support the Secretary-General. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

1. Assisting the Secretary-General in managing the operations of the UN Secretariat
2. Assisting the Secretary-General in making sure that the different activities and programmes are in line with the Secretary-General’s task of raising the UN’s profile and leadership
3. Representing the Secretary-General at conferences, official functions, ceremonies, and other occasions as deemed necessary by the Secretary-General
4. Acting for the Secretary-General in their absence

Under-Secretaries-General (USGs)

While there are many USGs and other senior staff at the same rank the ones listed below should be included in a Model UN depending on the issues of substance being considered in the simulation.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs leads the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). DPPA works to prevent and resolve conflicts and build sustainable peace around the world.

DPPA focuses primarily on five areas in international peace and security:

1. Ensuring sound analysis and early warning
2. Preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking
3. Managing political crises and violent conflicts
4. Sustaining peace
5. Enhancing partnerships

The Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) within DPPA fosters international support for nationally-owned and led peacebuilding efforts.

The Department also coordinates UN electoral assistance activities and provides staff support to the UN SC and two standing committees established by the General Assembly.

Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs

The Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) provides advice and support to the Secretary-General relating to economic and social issues, as well as to relevant GA Committees and ECOSOC.

DESA assists to:

1. Establish a coordinated framework to promote and monitor the implementation of agreed plans, strategies, programmes, or platforms of action
2. Support the coordination functions of central intergovernmental bodies and assist the Secretary-General in enhancement of policy coherence
3. Monitor, analyze, and assess economic and social policies and trends, including population trends and development linkages
4. Compile and disseminate analytical data, statistics, and economic and social indicators
5. Provide the Secretary-General with advice and support to promote human rights, especially of women, to reach the targets defined in the strategic plan of action for the improvement the status of women in the UN Secretariat
6. Offer policy advisory services to developing countries and countries with economies in transition to strengthen national capacities
7. Promote the sharing of development expertise and dialogue with non-governmental organizations and major groups in civil society

The Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and administration of DESA. This USG provides the Secretary-General with information on economic and social issues. The USG also represents the Secretary-General at meetings that address issues overseen by DESA and serves as a Chair of the Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs.

Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Management

The main function of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM) is to support the effectiveness and efficiency of intergovernmental activities and provide technical secretariat services to the GA and its Committees. DGACM also:

1. Facilitates conferences and ad hoc meetings held under the auspices of the UN, and provides relevant documentation services
2. Plans and organizes the regular, special, and emergency special sessions of the GA
3. Coordinates activities and the provision of services related to all sessions of the GA
4. Assists the PGA on all matters relating to the session and work of the GA and its General and Main Committees
5. Prepares a number of legislative documents, including the reports of the General Committee of the Assembly

The Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly Affairs and Conference Management is accountable for all DGACM activities that involves New York Headquarters and the UN offices at Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi. This includes the establishment of conference management policies, practices, standards and procedures. The USG also acts as chair of the Inter-Agency meeting on Language Arrangements, Documentation and Publications.

Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications

The Department of Global Communications (DGC) has multiple functions, including:

1. Raising global awareness of the activities and concerns of the UN and promoting understanding of its work
2. Using outreach programmes, information campaigns, news and feature services, radio and television programmes, press releases, publications, documentary videos, and special events to communicate the organization’s messages
3. Spearheading UN international campaigns
4. Engaging prominent personalities as UN Messengers of Peace
5. Organizing exhibits, concerts, seminars, and other events to mark occasions of international importance
6. Providing library and knowledge-sharing services

In addition to its staff at UN in New York and Geneva, DGC has 63 UN information centres (UNICs), worldwide as well as a regional information centre (UNRIC) in Brussels.

DGC consists of three divisions. Its Strategic Communications Division develops communication strategies and campaigns to promote UN priorities. The News and Media Division produces and distributes UN news and information to the media, including daily press briefings. The Outreach Division publishes books, notably the Essential UN, Basic Facts about the United Nations and periodicals such as the UN Chronicle and Africa Renewal; works with NGOs and educational institutions; organizes special events and exhibitions on priority issues; offers an annual training programme for journalists from developing countries; and develops partnerships with the private and public sector to advance UN goals.

Secretaries of the GA Main Committees

There can be a maximum of six; the number will depend on which GA Main Committees are included in the simulation. These positions are often left out of Model UN conferences. However, this fails to recognize that these positions are vital to the functioning of the Organization.