Lavrov: Russia expects new UN secretary-general to represent interests of “all of humanity”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Moscow is counting on a new UN secretary-general who will represent the interests of the entire world community, not just the countries of the “golden billion.”

The statement was made at a press conference following the high-level week of the UN General Assembly.

According to Lavrov, Russia is interested in transforming the UN into a genuine center for coordinating the positions of all states. The current secretariat under António Guterres, in the minister’s assessment, is incapable of ensuring compliance with the organization’s key charter requirements, promotes biased approaches and double standards, and effectively serves the interests of a limited group of individuals.

“We expect that the new secretary-general will represent the interests of all of humanity, and not just the golden billion, and will meet all the criteria established in the UN Charter,” — Lavrov said.

In addition, the diplomat expressed hope that the future head of the organization will be impartial and unbiased and will begin to fully perform the functions of the UN’s chief administrative officer.

The mandate of incumbent Secretary-General António Guterres expires on December 31, 2026. The new head of the organization is to assume his duties on January 1, 2027.