Who is António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations?
António Guterres has been serving as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations since January 1, 2017. His tenure is defined by a deep commitment to protecting the dignity of people around the world, especially the most vulnerable. From addressing the humanitarian needs of refugees to navigating the complexities of global crises, he has dedicated his leadership to fostering peace, promoting sustainable development, and championing human rights.
During his time as Secretary-General, Guterres has taken a proactive approach to tackling some of the 21st century’s most pressing challenges. He has led efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, address the escalating climate crisis, advance gender equality, and modernize the UN to better meet the demands of today’s interconnected world.
A Career Shaped by Service
Before becoming Secretary-General, Guterres was the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from 2005 to 2015, steering the organization through a decade of severe displacement crises. Under his leadership, UNHCR responded to conflicts in Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Yemen, during which the number of displaced people globally soared from 38 million to over 60 million.
His experience extends beyond the UN system. Guterres was Portugal’s Prime Minister from 1995 to 2002, playing a significant role in international diplomacy. He was instrumental in the resolution of the East Timor crisis and led the adoption of the Lisbon Agenda for economic growth and job creation as President of the European Council in 2000. That same year, he co-chaired the first EU-Africa summit, promoting collaboration between the two regions.
A Lifelong Dedication to Public Service
Guterres entered politics in 1976 as a member of Portugal’s Parliament, where he served for 17 years. He chaired several key parliamentary committees, including those focused on the economy, territorial administration, and environmental policy. Internationally, he contributed to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where he chaired the Committee on Demography, Migration, and Refugees.
A strong advocate for social justice, Guterres was deeply involved in the Socialist International, a global network of social democratic political parties. He served as vice-president from 1992 to 1999 and later as president until 2005. In Portugal, he established the Portuguese Refugee Council and the DECO consumer association, further demonstrating his commitment to advocacy and grassroots initiatives.
Personal Background
Born in Lisbon in 1949, Guterres graduated with a degree in engineering from the Instituto Superior Técnico. He speaks Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish fluently. He is married to Catarina de Almeida Vaz Pinto and has two children, a stepson, and three grandchildren.
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Featured Photo Credit: Denis Balibouse/Reuters