The first Portuguese to lead the United Nations, he's a champion of global cooperation, human rights, and sustainable development. He's a prominent voice on the world stage, advocating for climate action and social justice.
António Guterres is the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations, a title he has held since 2017. As a seasoned diplomat and politician, Guterres has dedicated his life to promoting peace, security, and human rights, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.
Born on April 30, 1949, in Lisbon, Portugal, Guterres was raised in a family of modest means. His parents, VirgÃlio Dias Guterres and Ilda Cândida dos Reis Oliveira Guterres, instilled in him the values of hard work and social responsibility. Guterres excelled in school, graduating from the Cames Lyceum in 1965 as the best student in the country. He went on to study physics and electrical engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico.
Guterres' entry into politics began in 1974, when he joined the Portuguese Socialist Party. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the party's secretary-general in 1992 and later, the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. During his tenure, Guterres implemented significant reforms, including the decentralization of power and the promotion of social welfare programs.
In 2005, Guterres became the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a position he held for 10 years. During this time, he oversaw the response to several major refugee crises, including the Syrian Civil War and the European migrant crisis. Guterres' tireless efforts to protect and support refugees earned him the respect and admiration of the international community.
In 2016, Guterres was elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming the first European to hold the post since 1981. As Secretary-General, Guterres has prioritized the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action, and conflict prevention and resolution.
Guterres has received numerous awards and honors for his humanitarian work, including the Charlemagne Prize, the North-South Prize, and the Crans Montana Forum Prize.
Guterres is known for his humility and simplicity, often preferring to focus on the work at hand rather than seeking personal recognition. He is married to Catarina Vaz Pinto, and they have two daughters together. Guterres is a devout Catholic and has spoken publicly about the importance of faith in his life and work.
António Guterres' legacy is one of dedication, compassion, and service to humanity. As Secretary-General of the United Nations, he continues to inspire and motivate individuals and nations to work towards a more peaceful, just, and equitable world.
| Key Milestones | Year |
|---|---|
| Born in Lisbon, Portugal | 1949 |
| Graduated from Cames Lyceum | 1965 |
| Became Prime Minister of Portugal | 1995 |
| Became UN High Commissioner for Refugees | 2005 |
| Elected Secretary-General of the United Nations | 2016 |
Through his remarkable career, Guterres has embodied the values of the United Nations, working tirelessly to promote peace, security, and human dignity. As he continues to lead the global community towards a brighter future, his legacy will inspire generations to come.
81 Years Old
The 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, a South Korean politician and diplomat who played a crucial role in promoting global peace, security, and sustainable development. He's known for his efforts to combat climate change and advocate for human rights.
88 Years Old
A renowned international diplomat who led the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, promoting global cooperation and development, and receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.
Born in 1922
The first Arab to lead the United Nations, he played a key role in shaping international relations and global governance during a tumultuous period in the 1990s. He's also known for his efforts to reform the UN and promote peacekeeping operations.
Born in 1920
A Peruvian politician and diplomat who served as the 135th Prime Minister of Peru and later became the fifth Secretary-General of the United Nations, playing a key role in international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Born in 1918
An Austrian colonel and politician who served as the 9th President of Austria, known for his controversial past as a Nazi officer during World War II. He was also the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1972 to 1981.
Born in 1909
A Burmese educator and diplomat who served as the 3rd United Nations Secretary-General, mediating international conflicts and promoting global cooperation. He's known for his quiet diplomacy and leadership during the Cold War era.
Born in 1905
A Swedish economist and diplomat who served as the 2nd Secretary-General of the United Nations, promoting international cooperation and peace, and posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He's known for his tireless efforts to resolve global conflicts and promote humanitarian causes.
73 Years Old
A Russian politician who has dominated the country's politics for over two decades, known for his authoritarian leadership style and controversial foreign policy decisions.
