The body confirmed the 72-year-old Portuguese diplomat on Friday in New York for another five years in office.

"I will give it my all to ensure the blossoming of trust between and among nations large and small, to build bridges and to engage relentlessly in confidence building," Guterres told the General Assembly after taking the oath of office.

The 15-member Security Council earlier this month recommended the General Assembly re-appoint Guterres.

His second term starts on beginning on January 1, 2022.

Guterres was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and head of the UN refugee agency from 2005 to 2015.

As secretary-general, he has been a cheerleader for climate action, COVID-19 vaccines for all and digital co-operation.

When he took the reins as UN chief, the world body was struggling to end wars and deal with humanitarian crises in Syria and Yemen.

Those conflicts are still unresolved and Guterres is also now faced with emergencies in Myanmar and the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

with DPA

Australian Associated Press