Gladwyn Jebb: The First Leader of the United Nations

The Dawn of the United Nations

• 🌍 The Preparatory Commission of the United Nations was established by the San Francisco Conference to plan the foundational meetings of the UN institutions.
• 🤝 The proceedings were opened with a call for international cooperation and an end to national selfishness, emphasizing that civilization's survival depends on working together towards common goals.

Appointing the First Secretary-General

• 📌 The appointment of the Secretary-General was a critical item on the agenda, recognized as a supremely difficult and exacting task.
• 🎯 It was acknowledged that the Secretary-General might not please everyone and might even need to offend someone to effectively do their job.
• 🌟 Confidence was expressed that the new Secretary-General would apply their intelligence and character to perfecting a machine that serves all nations in their joint efforts for lasting peace.
• 👏 Best wishes were extended to the new Secretary-General for success in this vital role.