ABSTRACT

The United Nations Secretary-General functions as the chief administrative officer and primary representative of the organization, with the role having evolved significantly since the inception of the United Nations to meet the demands of a changing global political landscape and the expanding scope of the United Nations responsibilities. A key function of the United Nations Secretary-General is to set the agenda and determine the organization's overarching vision during their tenure, with the current United Nations Secretary-General prioritizing sustainable development. The United Nations Secretary-General is supported by a Cabinet, which includes leaders from various United Nations departments, offices, funds and programmes. This group serves as a critical forum for policy discussions, strategic planning and information sharing for addressing various cross-cutting issues, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This entry provides a concise overview of the current activities of the United Nations Secretary-General and the collaborative efforts of the Cabinet in promoting the SDGs.