As scheduled, the UN General Assembly voted on Monday, June 2, 2025, to select Annalena Berbock, formerly Germany's foreign minister, to chair a key United Nations body.
At the U.N. General Assembly, Berbock serves as the sole contender for the position, whose duties are mostly ceremonial. The difference between this post and the position of UN secretary-general, currently held by António Guterres, should be emphasized.
The official start of Berbok's duties is scheduled for September 9, 2025, just before the general debate of the UN General Assembly, where prominent representatives of various states are expected to attend. The duration of the chairmanship is limited to 12 months.
Earlier, Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the UN, expressed the opinion that the nomination of Berbok instead of Helga Schmidt to chair the 80th session of the UN General Assembly is a manifestation of disrespect for the organization. The diplomat recalled Berbock's earlier public statements, where she expressed pride in her grandfather, who served in the SS.
Read more on the topic: Germany has sounded the alarm over Berbock's new place of work.