Incoming chief vows to reform UN

UN Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres vowed on Monday to reform the UN system to better support global efforts to maintain world peace, promote development and combat climate change.

The former Portuguese prime minister was sworn in on Monday, becoming the ninth UN chief in the body's 71-year history. He was scheduled to takes over from Ban Ki-moon on Jan 1.

Guterres, 67, performed well in answering questions before assembly members and his executive experience as prime minister and also as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in 2005-15 propelled him to first place among 13 candidates vying for the job in informal polls in the Security Council. After the sixth poll, the council nominated him by acclamation and his name was sent to the assembly for final approval.