António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres
Content created by Virtual Intern Eden Davenport
António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres, the current Secretary-General of the United Nations, has had a life-long career in government and public service. He was a participant in the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 1978.
His IVLP exchange to the United States forged a passion and commitment to international cooperation that extended throughout his career as the former Prime Minister of Portugal, President of the European Council, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, as well as a member of the Portuguese Council of State and Parliament.
Secretary-General Guterres founded the Portuguese Refugee Council and served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). While at the UNHCR, he headed one of the world’s foremost humanitarian organizations during some of the most serious displacement crises in decades. The conflicts in Syria and Iraq, and the crises in South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Yemen, led to a huge rise in UNHCR’s activities as the number of people displaced by conflict rose dramatically.
Secretary-General Guterres recently said, "Through my participation in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), I was fortunate to gain a deep understanding of the United States and its culture, experience the warm and gracious hospitality of its people, and witness the American spirit, which so uniquely embodies that land. As the program celebrates its 80th anniversary, I remain grateful to the government of the United States for providing such an opportunity and share my encouragement to all others that are considering participating in the IVLP."
As Secretary-General, António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres has turned his focus to future generations on issues related to protecting the environment and sustainable development. Secretary-General Guterres continues to showcase Portuguese leadership in the global arena, using his influence to increase diplomatic capacity and reaffirm the values of the United Nations.
Edited by Virtual Interns Regina Navarro-Gomez and Kristin Mitra
