The UN General Assembly today approved a new four-year contract for Achim Steiner of Germany, the executive director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) that has been an important part in the global fight against climate change, according to dpa. Steiner has been active in implementing UN programmes to prevent the deterioration of the environment and leading research and making recommendations on climate change. The assembly also re-appointed Antonio Guterres, a former Portuguese government minister, to a five-year contract as the High Commissioner for Refugees, which provides assistance to millions of refugees around the world. The two new appointments were recommended by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
