Image
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the COP30 Leaders' Summit in Belém, Brazil.
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the COP30 Leaders' Summit in Belém, Brazil.
© UNFCCC/Kiara Worth

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

UN Secretary-General António Guterres (right) joins a discussion on energy transition in Belém, Brazil.

7 November 2025 — UN Secretary-General António Guterres is continuing his campaign to accelerate the global switch from fossil fuels to clean energy – “the cheapest source of new electricity in nearly every country.”

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.

View more news stories
 

Did you know?

9

Number of United Nations Secretaries-General since its creation in 1945

5

Number of years of the term of office of the UN Secretary-General, with the possibility of renewal

 
1

First Secretary-General to have previously held the position of Head of Government

 
13

Number of candidates for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2016