United Nations, June 18 (TIWN) The UN General Assembly on Friday appointed Antonio Guterres, to a second term as the Secretary General to lead the world body through the crisis of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fight against global warming, which he has made his priority.

The world is "at the cusp of a new era", he said. "We are truly at a crossroads, with consequential choices before us. Paradigms are shifting. Old orthodoxies are being flipped."  The 193-member General Assembly's resolution adopted by acclamation said that in "appreciation for the effective and dedicated service rendered to the United Nations", it approved the Security Council recommendation to give the former Portuguese Prime Minister another five years starting in January as the world's top diplomat.