Anunder-secretary-general of the United Nations (USG) is a seniorofficial within theUnited Nations System, normally appointed by theGeneral Assembly on the recommendation of thesecretary-general for a renewable term of four years. Under-secretary-general is the third highest rank in the United Nations, after the secretary-general and thedeputy secretary-general. The rank is held by the heads of different UN entities, certain high officials of theUnited Nations Secretariat, and high-level envoys. The United Nations regards the rank as equal to that of a cabinet minister of a member state, and under-secretaries-general havediplomatic immunity under theUN Charter.
The majority of USGs are appointed by theGeneral Assembly on the recommendation of the secretary-general for a fixed term of four years. Others (normally special envoys, Secretariat-appointees and non-programme management positions) are appointed directly by theUN secretary-general on their own authority. However, all USGs report to the General Assembly through the secretary-general. The only exception to this is the under-secretary-general for internal oversight services, who reports directly to the General Assembly.
The distinction in method of appointment is important as USGs appointed by the General Assembly have a mandate independent of the secretary-general, and therefore is unable to remove them from office without the General Assembly's consent. This restriction has been seen by many commentators to weaken the secretary-general's ability to provide strong leadership and management within theUnited Nations System.
Some senior posts within the UN System have the equivalent rank of under-secretary-general but are either not entitled or choose not to use the formal title. The most prominent example of this is the administrator of theUnited Nations Development Programme, who is often referred to as the third most senior official within the UN System yet does not use the title of under-secretary-general. TheUN high commissioner for human rights also has the rank of under-secretary-general, yet does not use the title.[1]
With over 50 people with the rank of under-secretary-general, unsurprisingly the influence and power they wield within the UN System varies dramatically. The most important USGs, controlling budgets, programmes or key activities, are also members of the United Nations Senior Management Group, whose objective is to ensure strategic coherence and direction in the work of the organization. The cabinet was approved by the General Assembly in 1997 as part of the reform proposal submitted by Secretary-GeneralKofi Annan.
The following is a list of under-secretaries-general or those with equivalent rank. This list is not exhaustive. Members of the SMG are indicated by an asterisk (*).[2]
Benedicta Neysa Nathania - Coordinator of Adaptation Academy (UNFCCC - UNHREP), Director-General of UNHREP (UN Human Rights Educational Project) (withSergio Vieira de Mello, posthumous)
Anassistant secretary-general sits beneath an under-secretary-general within the UN hierarchy. Assistant secretaries-general are often deputies within departments or programmes, reporting to their respective under-secretary-general and through him or her to theUN secretary-general.
