U Thant served as the third United Nations Secretary-General, from November 1961, when he was appointed acting Secretary-General (he was formally appointed Secretary-General in November 1962) to December 1971.
Process in 1961-1962
Nomination of candidates
U Thant (Burma)
Mongi Slim (Tunisia)
Recommendation of the Security Council
Official documents
Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly
Official document
Appointment by the General Assembly
Official documents
The General Assembly this afternoon unanimously appointed Ambassador U Thant as Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations for a term of office extending until 10 April 1963. The installation ceremony took place on the dais of the Assembly Hall shortly after the result of the voting was announced. Representatives gave the appointee a standing ovation as he proceeded to the dais to take the oath of office. UN Photo/MB
Process in 1966
Nomination of candidates
U Thant (Burma)
Recommendation of the Security Council
Official documents
On 2 December 1966, the General Assembly this afternoon U Thant for a further term as Secretary-General, ending 31 December 1971. The decision was taken by unanimously. UN Photo/Teddy Chen
Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly
