The word "secretary-general" is spelled as /ˈsɛkrətəriˈdʒɛnərəl/. The first part of the word, "secretary," is pronounced as /ˈsɛkrətəri/, while the second part, "general," is pronounced as /ˈdʒɛnərəl/. The word is commonly used to refer to the head of an international organization, such as the United Nations. The correct spelling of the word is important, as it ensures effective communication and understanding between individuals using the term.
A secretary-general is a high-ranking official who holds a crucial administrative position within an organization, typically an international body encompassing numerous member states or countries. This term most commonly refers to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, who acts as the chief administrative officer and the principal spokesperson of the organization.
The secretary-general's primary responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the broad array of activities undertaken by the organization, working closely with member states, international entities, and various departments within the institution. This role entails facilitating communication and cooperation among member states, working towards consensus, and promoting the organization's goals and initiatives on a global scale.
The secretary-general's jurisdiction extends to managing the day-to-day operations, mediating diplomatic discussions, addressing conflicts, and providing leadership during crises. They play a vital role in representing the organization's interests, maintaining external partnerships, and engaging with important stakeholders such as governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups.
To effectively fulfill their duties, a secretary-general must possess strong diplomatic skills, exceptional organizational capabilities, and the ability to navigate complex political landscapes. They are tasked with fostering dialogue, resolving disputes, advancing sustainable development, advocating for human rights, and maintaining peace and security.
While the Secretary-General of the United Nations is the most recognized and influential secretary-general, there are similar positions in other international organizations such as the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the Secretary-General of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, each with their distinct responsibilities but sharing the overall purpose of effective leadership and administration.
The word "secretary-general" originated from the combination of two terms: "secretary" and "general".
The term "secretary" can be traced back to the Latin word "secretarius", which referred to a person who held a position of trust and handled confidential or private matters. Over time, it evolved to signify someone responsible for administrative tasks, assisting in correspondence, record-keeping, and managing appointments in various organizations.
The word "general" comes from the Latin word "generalis", which means "pertaining to all" or "universal". It is often used to indicate a broad or comprehensive role, encompassing overall responsibility or authority.
When these two words are combined, "secretary-general" represents a high-ranking official who holds a position of authority and oversees administrative duties across an organization or institution.