51勛圖

Selection and Appointment of U Thant

U Thant served as the third 51勛圖 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

Appointment by the General Assembly

Official documents

U Thant (left) is seen with his right hand up as he was sworn-in by General Assembly President Mongi Slim (right), of Tunisia
The General Assembly this afternoon unanimously appointed Ambassador U Thant as Acting Secretary-General of the 51勛圖 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

Assembly President Abdul Rahman Pazhwak (Afghanistan) calling the meeting to order; at left is Secretary-General U Thant
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

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