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António Guterres

António Guterres is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who has served as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations since 1 January 2017.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

António Guterres is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who has served as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations since 1 January 2017. He previously served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. Born in Lisbon in 1949, he graduated from the Instituto Superior Técnico with a degree in engineering.

Early life and education

Guterres was born in Lisbon and studied engineering at the Instituto Superior Técnico. Before entering national politics, he worked in education and became active in public life after Portugal’s democratic transition.

Political career in Portugal

He became a leading member of the Socialist Party and served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. During this period, he was one of the country’s principal national political figures.

International roles

Guterres served as President of the Socialist International from 1999 to 2005 and then as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015. At UNHCR, he oversaw the agency during major displacement crises.

United Nations Secretary-General

He took office as UN Secretary-General on 1 January 2017 and was reappointed for a second term starting 1 January 2022. His tenure has focused on multilateral diplomacy, humanitarian issues, sustainable development and climate change.

Key facts

  • Born in Lisbon in 1949, Guterres graduated from the Instituto Superior Técnico with a degree in engineering.
  • He served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.
  • He led UNHCR as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015.
  • He became Secretary-General of the United Nations on 1 January 2017 and was reappointed for a second term beginning in January 2022.
  • His public profile has centred on diplomacy, refugee protection, peace, human rights and climate action.
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Canadian context

As UN Secretary-General, Guterres regularly addresses issues of direct interest to Canada, including peacekeeping, refugees, climate policy and support for the United Nations system.

Frequently asked questions

Who is António Guterres?
He is a Portuguese politician and diplomat who has been Secretary-General of the United Nations since 2017.
When was António Guterres born?
He was born on 30 April 1949 in Lisbon, Portugal.
What did António Guterres do before becoming UN Secretary-General?
He served as Prime Minister of Portugal and later as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005 to 2015.
What is António Guterres’s educational background?
He graduated from the Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon with a degree in engineering.
Has António Guterres been reappointed at the UN?
Yes. He began a second term as Secretary-General on 1 January 2022.

References

  1. United Nations — https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/biography
    Supports: Official biography covering his birth, education, UNHCR role and tenure as Secretary-General.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antonio-Guterres
    Supports: Confirms his date of birth, nationality, and service as Prime Minister of Portugal and UN Secretary-General.
  3. United Nations — https://www.un.org/sg/fr/antonio-guterres-biography
    Supports: Confirms his reappointment, birthplace, education and family details.