Selection and Appointment of Javier Pérez de Cuéllar

Javier Pérez de Cuéllar served as the fifth United Nations Secretary-General, from January 1982 to December 1991.

Process in 1981

Nomination of candidates

  • Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (Peru)
  • Swoim Ahmed Salim (United Republic of Tanzania)
  • Kurt Waldheim (Austria)
  • Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan (Islamic Republic of Iran)

Recommendation of the Security Council

Official documents

Javier Pérez de Cuéllar 1981

A view of the speakers' rostrum in the General Assembly hall as Secretary-General-designate Javier Perez de Cuellar (left) receives the oath of office from Ismat T. Kittani (Iraq), President of the 36th session of the General Assembly. UN Photo/Milton Grant

Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly

First press conference - Javier Pérez de Cuéllar - 1982

Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, at his first general press conference since taking office on 1 January 1981. UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata Grant

Process in 1986

Nomination of candidates

  • Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (Peru)

Recommendation of the Security Council

Official documents

 Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, the fifth Secretary-General of the United Nations

On 10 October 1986, Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, current Secretary-General of the United Nations, was appointed by the General Assembly to a second five-year term, beginning on 1 January 1987. UN Photo/Yutaka Nagata