António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General
Science now tells us that a temporary overshoot beyond the 1.5 limit – starting at the latest in the early 2030s – is inevitable...If we act now, we can make the overshoot as small, as short, and as safe as possible – and bring temperatures back below 1.5°C before century’s end [by] peaking global emissions immediately; by reaching global net zero by 2050, and by drastically increasing investments in adaptation and resilience.... We can choose to lead – or be led to ruin. Choose to make Belém the turning point.
News stories
6 November 2025 — As world leaders gather in Brazil for the COP30 climate summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday called for urgent action to drive down global temperatures and keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.
27 October 2025 — Amid deepening global divides and economic uncertainty, the United Nations called for stronger multilateral cooperation and sweeping reforms to global financial and governance systems, emphasising the need for a “networked, multipolar world” where equity and inclusion guide decision-making.
24 October 2025 — Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday warned that the “fragile” legitimacy of the Security Council could endanger global peace if it remains gridlocked and fails to fulfil its primary purpose.
Did you know?
Number of United Nations Secretaries-General since its creation in 1945
Number of years of the term of office of the UN Secretary-General, with the possibility of renewal
First Secretary-General to have previously held the position of Head of Government
Number of candidates for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2016
