Selection and Appointment of U Thant

U Thant served as the third United Nations Secretary-General, from November 1961, when he was appointed acting Secretary-General (he was formally appointed Secretary-General in November 1962) to December 1971.

Process in 1961-1962

Nomination of candidates

U Thant (Burma)
Mongi Slim (Tunisia)

Recommendation of the Security Council

Official documents

Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly

Official document

Letter dated 3 November 1961 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the President of the General Assembly (A/4953)
Letter dated 30 November 1962 from the President of the Security Council addressed to the President of the General Assembly (A/5322)

Appointment by the General Assembly

Official documents

U Thant Acting Secretary-General 1961 — The General Assembly this afternoon unanimously appointed Ambassador U Thant as Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations for a term of office extending until 10 April 1963. The installation ceremony took place on the dais of the Assembly Hall shortly after the result of the voting was announced. Representatives gave the appointee a standing ovation as he proceeded to the dais to take the oath of office. UN Photo/MB

Process in 1966

Nomination of candidates

U Thant (Burma)

Recommendation of the Security Council

Official documents

U Thant reappointed 1966 — On 2 December 1966, the General Assembly this afternoon U Thant for a further term as Secretary-General, ending 31 December 1971. The decision was taken by unanimously. UN Photo/Teddy Chen

Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly

Official document

Appointment by the General Assembly

Official documents