<P> The Secretary - General was envisioned by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a `` world moderator '' , but the vague definition provided by the UN Charter left much room for interpretation by those who would later occupy the position . According to the UN website , their roles are further defined as `` diplomat and advocate , civil servant , and CEO '' . Nevertheless , this more abstract description has not prevented the office holders from speaking out and playing important roles on global issues to various degrees . Article 97 under Chapter XV of the United Nations Charter states that the Secretary - General shall be the `` chief administrative officer '' of the Organization , but does not dictate their specific obligations . </P>
what is the role of the secretary general of the un
diplomat and advocate civil servant CEO