Portuguese politician and diplomat António Guterres was officially elected Secretary-General of the United Nations.

António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, born on 30 April 1949, is a prominent Portuguese politician and seasoned diplomat widely recognized for his extensive career in public service and international affairs. Since January 2017, Guterres has held the prestigious position of Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), serving as the ninth individual to lead the world's foremost international organization. This pivotal role establishes him as the chief administrative officer of the UN, a leading global diplomat, and a powerful advocate for peace, human rights, and sustainable development across the globe.

A Distinguished Career in Portuguese Politics

António Guterres is a long-standing and influential member of the Portuguese Socialist Party (Partido Socialista). His political ascent saw him become the party's Secretary-General in 1992, a leadership role he maintained concurrently with his premiership until 2002. This dual leadership positioned him at the forefront of Portuguese politics for a decade.

In 1995, Guterres was elected Prime Minister of Portugal, a position he held for seven years until 2002. During his tenure, he navigated a period of significant domestic challenges and economic complexities. His government, often operating without an absolute parliamentary majority, necessitated a focus on political consensus and cooperation, which can present inherent complexities in policy implementation and governance.

His resignation in 2002 followed a disappointing performance by the Socialist Party in the 2001 Portuguese local elections. These elections, often seen as a bellwether for national sentiment and voter confidence, yielded unexpected and significant losses for the Socialist Party, particularly in key urban centers like Lisbon and Porto, where pre-election polls had indicated a strong lead. This outcome, coupled with a struggling national economy and the challenges of a minority government, led to Guterres's decision to step down from the premiership.

Following his resignation, Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues assumed the leadership of the Socialist Party. However, the subsequent general election resulted in a defeat for the Socialists, with power shifting to the Social Democratic Party, then led by José Manuel Barroso, who would later become President of the European Commission.

Enduring Legacy and Global Humanitarian Leadership

Despite the electoral setback that marked the end of his premiership, António Guterres's leadership left a lasting positive impression on the Portuguese public. Remarkably, polls conducted in both 2012 and 2014 consistently ranked him as the best Prime Minister Portugal had seen over the preceding 30 years. This enduring public approval underscores his perceived effectiveness, integrity, and the positive impact of his policies during his time in office, even years after his departure.

President of the Socialist International

From 1999 to 2005, Guterres served as President of the Socialist International, a worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist, and labour political parties. In this influential role, he played a crucial part in fostering cooperation and dialogue among left-leaning political movements globally, advocating for principles of social justice, democracy, and human rights on an international scale, thereby broadening his diplomatic experience beyond national borders.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Guterres's commitment to international service deepened further when he was appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2005, a position he held for a decade until 2015. During his tenure, the world witnessed some of the most severe refugee crises since World War II, including the escalating conflict in Syria, which displaced millions, and the ongoing humanitarian challenges in regions like the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Yemen. As the head of UNHCR, he oversaw the agency's efforts to provide protection, assistance, and durable solutions for millions of refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless people worldwide. His leadership was critical in mobilizing international resources, advocating for greater global responsibility sharing, and championing the rights of displaced populations in response to unprecedented levels of forced displacement. This extensive experience at the forefront of humanitarian crises provided him with unparalleled insights into global challenges, the complexities of multilateral cooperation, and the urgent need for humanitarian action.

The Path to United Nations Secretary-General

António Guterres's extensive political and humanitarian experience, coupled with his reputation as a consensus-builder and effective leader, made him a highly compelling candidate for the top leadership role at the United Nations. In October 2016, following a rigorous and unprecedentedly transparent selection process, he was formally elected by the General Assembly as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations. He officially commenced his initial five-year term on 1 January 2017, succeeding Ban Ki-moon of South Korea.

The selection process for the UN Secretary-General involves both the UN Security Council and the General Assembly. The Security Council, through a series of informal straw polls, recommends a candidate, who then must be approved by a vote in the General Assembly. Guterres emerged as the clear frontrunner from a strong field of candidates, a testament to his diplomatic acumen, proven track record, and vision for the future of the UN.

His appointment marked a significant historical moment: Guterres became the first European to hold the office of Secretary-General since Kurt Waldheim of Austria, whose term concluded in 1981. This return of a European to the UN's highest position underscored a shift in regional representation after several decades and highlighted the international community's recognition of his unique qualifications for addressing complex global issues.

Frequently Asked Questions about António Guterres

Who is António Guterres?
António Guterres is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who currently serves as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, a position he has held since January 2017. He is known for his extensive career, including his previous roles as Prime Minister of Portugal and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
What is the primary role of the UN Secretary-General?
As the chief administrative officer of the United Nations, the Secretary-General acts as a chief diplomat and advocate for global peace, human rights, and sustainable development. The role involves mediating international disputes, addressing global challenges, and leading the UN Secretariat to implement the organization's mandates.
When did António Guterres assume the role of UN Secretary-General?
António Guterres officially began his first five-year term as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations on 1 January 2017, succeeding Ban Ki-moon.
What significant roles did António Guterres hold before becoming UN Secretary-General?
Before his UN appointment, Guterres served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. Following his premiership, he held the critical position of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for a decade, from 2005 to 2015, overseeing global responses to major displacement crises and advocating for the rights of refugees worldwide.
Is António Guterres the first European UN Secretary-General in a long time?
Yes, António Guterres is the first European to hold the office of UN Secretary-General since Kurt Waldheim of Austria, whose term concluded in 1981. His appointment marked a significant return of European leadership to this top global position after more than three decades.