Secretary-General-designate Antonio Guterres of Portugal, addresses the UN General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, US, October 13, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"He is a wonderful choice to steer this Organization as we build on the progress of the past decade while addressing the insecurity and uncertainties of today's world," said Ban.

Representatives from five regional groups as well as the host country of the UN congratulated Guterres on his appointment and have pledged support for him to guide the UN in face of challenges ahead.

On last Thursday, the UN Security Council formally and unanimously recommended Guterres to head the world's largest international organization.

The UN Charter says "the secretary-general shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Security Council." In practice, the Security Council will make the final choice and send a single candidate to the General Assembly for approval.

Traditionally, for a UN secretary-general, each term is five years with a maximum of two terms.

This year, for the first time in history of the United Nations, UN chief candidates were asked to submit resumes and answer questions from UN member states as well as the civil society during the selection process.

President of the General Assembly Peter Thomson said at the appointment that guided by principles of transparency and inclusivity, the process that has been undertaken to arrive at today's decision has been a "historic" one.

"I am confident that Mr. Guterres will serve the global community with dedication, as a moral authority, and be the voice of our collective conscience and humanity, throughout his term," he said.

According to Thomson, the ceremony at which Guterres takes the oath of office will be held later this year.