Jens Stoltenberg's term as NATO's Secy General extended by a year; Here's all about him

On sidelines of NATO Summit being held in Brussels to chalk out West’s strategy in retaliation to Russian aggression that has escalated war for a month, NATO allies have extended term of Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary-General. 

Taking to Twitter, Stoltenberg, on Thursday, informed that hes of 30 NATO member states have extended his office duration by a year up to 30 September 2023 in view of dire situation.

“Honoured by decision of NATO Hes of State and Government to extend my term as Secretary-General until 30 September 2023. As we face biggest security crisis in a generation, we stand united to keep our Alliance strong and our people safe,” he wrote.

former Norwegian Prime Minister, who was elected in 2014 as military grouping’s Secretary-General is known for steering alliance through difficult situations. While expressing his views against Russian invasion, he h stated that it is one of most difficult security situations NATO has faced in deces. 

To understand importance of his position, let’s first understand what are roles and responsibilities of SG NATO.

Role of SG NATO

As per North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s website, three principal roles of defence alliance’s Secretary-General are:

1. He/ She chairs all major committees and is responsible for steering discussions, facilitating decision-making process and ensuring implementation.
2. y are principal spokesperson of organization
3. y are he of International staff, who helps him to coordinate with ally nations

How is NATO SG selected?

individual is appointed by member states for a four-year term that can be extended by mutual agreement.

Jens Stoltenberg’s term at NATO

Following a distinguished international and domestic career, Jens Stoltenberg was appointed NATO Secretary-General in October 2014. Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian Prime Minister and UN Special Envoy has strongly supported stronger global and trans-Atlantic collaboration. mandate of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been extended until September 2023.

NATO believes that under Stoltenberg's leership, military alliance has responded to a more difficult security environment by conducting largest collective defence reinforcement since Cold War, enhancing force reiness, and deploying combat troops in Alliance's eastern flank. Stoltenberg, according to NATO, believes in credible deterrence and protection while maintaining open lines of communication with Russia.

He has also called for more military spending and improved burden-sharing within NATO, as well as a greater focus on innovation, according to NATO. He is regarded to be a supporter of a partnership strategy, and NATO and European Union's relationship has achieved new heights under his leership.

Who is Jens Stoltenberg?

He was chosen as Norwegian Prime Minister from 2000 to 2001 and again from 2005 until 2013. Stoltenberg was UN Special Envoy on Climate Change from 2013 to 2014 before joining NATO. He has also served as chair of UN High-Level Panels on climate finance and integration of development, humanitarian, and environmental policies.

Image: NATO