New Lords international relations committee ask for evidence on UN Secretary-General
The new House of Lords International Relations Committee have launched an inquiry into the UK priorities for the new UN Secretary-General and are asking for written evidence to inform the inquiry.
This is the Committee's first inquiry since it was established in May 2016 and comes as the UN decides on a successor to Ban Ki-moon as its Secretary-General. It is expected that the new Secretary-General will assume office in January 2017.
Following the inquiry the Committee will make a report to the UK Government including recommendations on the priorities it should pursue with the new Secretary-General.
Areas the Committee are inviting evidence on include:
- What are the most significant global challenges facing the UK and international community and where can the UN add value? What criteria should guide UN action on any international issues?
- What should the UK's priorities for the new UN Secretary-General be?
- Given that the UK will be leaving the EU, how should the UK seek to optimise its influence in the UN and other international organisations?
- Is the UN able to respond effectively to new global trends, such as the increasing importance of Asia and a more digitally connected world?
The Committee are inviting written evidence to be received by Friday 5 August 2016.
Commenting Lord Howell of Guildford, Chairman of the Committee, said:
"In light of the EU referendum result it is important for the UK to maintain a proactive role in the international organisations to which it belongs. The Secretary-General of the UN is one of the key roles in the international community and we want to understand and clarify what the UK's priorities for the incoming post holder should be.
"We will be taking evidence on this issue throughout July and into early autumn and will publish a report, including recommendations, in the autumn – at around the same time as the appointment of the new UN Secretary-General."
