As an expert in international relations and global governance, I would like to clarify a common misconception about the United Nations (UN). The United Nations does not have a "president" in the same way that a country has a head of state. Instead, the UN operates through a system of various bodies and assemblies, each with its own leadership structure. The term "president" within the UN context usually refers to the temporary leadership positions within these bodies, which are held by individuals who serve for a specific term. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six main organs of the UN and is composed of representatives from all Member States. The President of the General Assembly is elected for a one-year term and presides over the sessions of the General Assembly. The role is largely ceremonial and involves coordinating the work of the Assembly and representing it in its relations with other UN bodies. The individual you mentioned, Miroslav Lajčák of Slovakia, was indeed elected as the President of the 72nd session of the UNGA, which began in September 2017. His role was significant in guiding the work of the Assembly during that year, including the high-level segment of the General Debate, thematic debates, and the consideration of the reports submitted by the UN Secretary-General and other officials. It is important to note that the term of the General Assembly President is limited to one year, and the position is rotated among regions, ensuring that no single region or country dominates the leadership for an extended period. The election of the President is conducted by the members of the General Assembly itself, and the candidate must receive an absolute majority of the votes cast. The UN also has other leadership roles, such as the Secretary-General, who is the chief administrative officer of the UN and is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. The current Secretary-General is António Guterres, who began his term on January 1, 2017, and was re-elected for a second term starting from January 1, 2022. In summary, the United Nations operates through a complex structure with various leadership roles, and the term "president" specifically refers to the temporary leadership of the General Assembly sessions. The President of the UNGA is not the same as the head of the UN or the head of state of a country and serves a one-year term, with the position rotating among regions. read more >>

The President presides over the sessions of the General Assembly. Miroslav Laj?--k of Slovakia has been elected as the United Nations General Assembly President of its 72nd session beginning in September 2017.read more >>