Ban Ki-moon, the UN's 'invisible man', bids farewell Monday Dec 12,201

Ban Ki-moon, who steps down as UN secretary-general at the end of the month, will be remembered as a conscientious statesman who has championed humanitarian causes, but who has struggled to have an impact on the world stage.

Addressing the UN General Assembly Monday Dec 12,2016, Ban said leading the UN for the past 10 years had been the "privilege of a lifetime".

"I have maintained a focus on people’s dignity and rights — the pillars of our common humanity. I have sought to stand up for the vulnerable and those left behind today. And I have tried to be sure that we are doing all we can so that future generations can live in peace," he said.

It was a typically reserved farewell for a man who has become known for his calm, courteous and considered style of diplomacy. But it is these very characteristics that his critics would say have prevented him from providing the kind of firm, effective leadership the organisation needs.

At the UN headquarters in New York on Monday Dec 12,2016 Ban was treated to a standing applause by the General Assembly as representatives from around the world paid tribute to the outgoing leader, a sign that there is still a great deal of affection for a secretary-general who, whatever his shortcomings, has always come across as sincere and caring

Note

Antonio Guterres of Portugal was sworn in on Monday Dec 12,2016 as the secretary-general of the United Nations

Guterres' political career began when he was elected as a Socialist member of Parliament in 1976, just two years after Portugal’s democratic revolution. He earned the nickname “the talking jackhammer” for his strong speaking style. He became prime minister when the Socialists gained power in 1995.

Critics say he blocked reforms of Portugal’s strict anti-abortion laws in 1998. But he is more positively remembered for overseeing the transition to the eurozone in 1999, and for his leadership during Portugal’s turn in the rotating presidency of the European Union in 2000.

He resigned in 2001 as the Socialists fell out of favor.