António Guterres

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António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres (born 30 April 1949) is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who is currently serving as the United Nations Secretary-General. He assumed office on 1 January 2017, succeeding Ban Ki-moon. Prior to his appointment as Secretary-General, Guterres was the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees between 2005 and 2015.

Early Life and Education

António Guterres was born in Lisbon, Portugal. He attended the Instituto Superior Técnico, where he studied Physics and Electrical Engineering. After completing his education, Guterres became involved in politics and social issues, joining the Socialist Party in Portugal.

Political Career

Guterres's political career began in earnest when he was elected as a member of the Portuguese Parliament in 1976. He rose through the ranks of the Socialist Party, eventually becoming its leader in 1992. Under his leadership, the Socialist Party won the 1995 general elections, and Guterres served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. During his tenure as Prime Minister, he focused on social and economic issues, including education, health, and infrastructure development.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

In 2005, Guterres was elected as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. His tenure was marked by efforts to address the global refugee crisis, advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced persons. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation to solve the challenges posed by forced displacement.

United Nations Secretary-General

Guterres's experience and advocacy for humanitarian issues led to his nomination and subsequent election as the United Nations Secretary-General. As Secretary-General, Guterres has prioritized climate change, sustainable development, and peacekeeping. He has advocated for stronger international collaboration to address global challenges and has been a vocal supporter of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Personal Life

António Guterres is fluent in Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish. He is married and has two children. Guterres is known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to global peace and security.

Legacy and Impact

Guterres's leadership at the United Nations has been characterized by his efforts to reform the organization, making it more efficient and responsive to contemporary global challenges. His advocacy for climate action and his work towards global peace and security have been significant aspects of his tenure.