António Guterres
António Guterres, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations, took office on 1 January 2017.
Having witnessed the suffering of the most vulnerable people on earth, from refugee camps to war zones, the Secretary-General has centered his efforts on ensuring human dignity for all.
In a period of unprecedented global challenges, he has drawn on his commitment to the UN Charter to mobilize people and launch action to:
respond to the COVID-19 pandemic,
address the climate emergency,
advance gender equality, and
achieve ambitious 21st century reforms to enhance the Organization’s vital efforts to secure peace, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian aid.
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It is understandable to get overwhelmed by the turmoil of our world. But, as we look to the year ahead, we must never lose sight of progress and potential. And there are signs of hope.
Latest Statements
Our Common Agenda
Our Common Agenda is the Secretary-General's vision for the future of global cooperation. It calls for inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism to better respond and deliver for the people and planet and to get the world back on track by turbocharging action on the Sustainable Development Goals. It outlines possible solutions to address the gaps and risks that have emerged since 2015 and called for a Summit of the Future, held in 2024.
Priorities
The world continues to grapple with unprecedented challenges. In his address to the General Assembly setting out his key priorities for the Organization in 2025, the UN Secretary-General acknowledged the “turmoil of our world” and conceded that “it is understandable to get overwhelmed”. Nonetheless, Mr. Guterres urged delegates to “never lose sight of progress and potential”.
Annual Report on the Work of the Organization
The past year has tested humanity in every way. The present report shows that progress is possible, and change is achievable. Despite the obstacles in their way, the staff of the United Nations' commitment to a better, brighter future shines through in all that they do. Their resolve is to achieve results for the people of the world and to deliver the help and the hope that every person deserves – and that the human family needs today, more than ever.
The Role of the Secretary-General
Equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO, the Secretary-General is a symbol of United Nations ideals and a spokesperson for the interests of the world's peoples, in particular the poor and vulnerable among them. The current Secretary-General, and the ninth occupant of the post, is Mr. António Guterres of Portugal, who took office on 1 January 2017.
Appointment and Nomination
Acting on the recommendation on the UN Security Council, which forwards the name of the recommended candidate to the 193-member body as its nominee for UN Secretary-General for a five-year period, the General Assembly votes on a consensus resolution put forward by its President.
