Despite our long list of global challenges, that same spirit of determination can guide us forward. Let us be determined to heal divisions and forge peace. Determined to uphold the dignity and worth of every person. Determined to realize the Sustainable Development Goals and leave no one behind. Determined to reform multilateralism for the 21st century and come together for the common good. — ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres is a Portuguese politician serving since 2017 as the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations. A member of the Portuguese Socialist Party, he served as prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. Guterres served as secretary-general of the Socialist Party from 1992 to 2002.
Antonio, embodies a lifetime dedicated to public service, diplomacy, and the pursuit of global peace and sustainability. Born on April 30, 1949, in Lisbon, Portugal, Guterres graduated in engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico but quickly pivoted to politics, where his passion for addressing inequality and improving lives found its voice. As a member of the Socialist Party, he served as Portugal’s Prime Minister from 1995 to 2002, leading efforts to modernize the country while strengthening its social safety nets. His leadership extended beyond Portugal when he became the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015, during which he tirelessly advocated for the rights and dignity of displaced people, handling some of the most critical refugee crises of the 21st century.
Guterres’ tenure at the United Nations has been marked by a steadfast commitment to multilateralism and addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflict. His vision for the UN emphasizes inclusivity, with a focus on empowering marginalized voices and championing human rights. Through initiatives like the Climate Action Summit and the Sustainable Development Goals, Guterres has sought to unite nations under a shared agenda of progress and resilience. A profound believer in the power of collective action, he inspires with his unyielding dedication to fostering peace, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that no one is left behind in our rapidly evolving world.
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. Currently made up of 193 Member States, the UN and its work are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. The UN has evolved over the years to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. But one thing has stayed the same: it remains the one place on Earth where all the world’s nations can gather together, discuss common problems, and find shared solutions that benefit all of humanity.
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