UN su saopćile da je Šimonović odabran između 128 kandidata iz cijelog svijeta, te da on ima "široko iskustvo u oblastima međunarodnog razvoja, ljudskih prava, izgradnje mira i razvoja nacionalnih institucija, na čemu je on radio na političkom i akademskom nivou".
The UN said that Simonovic was chosen from 128 candidates from all over the world, and that he has "extensive experience in the fields of international development, human rights, peace building and development of national institutions, which he has addressed at the political and academic levels".