Portugal welcomes the UN Secretary-General’s priorities for 2026 and reaffirms commitment to multilateral reform

On 15 January, Portugal participated in the UNGA informal briefing at which the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, presented his priorities for 2026, the final year of his mandate, alongside the Report on the Work of the Organization (A/80/1).

The Secretary-General highlighted the UN’s continued relevance, notably in shaping global debates on artificial intelligence, advancing climate action, promoting fairer financing for development, and prioritizing the most vulnerable. He stressed that 2026 must be a year of implementation, translating commitments, including those of the Pact for the Future, into concrete results.

He also outlined key milestones for the year ahead, including the launch of the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, recommendations on Beyond GDP, monthly exchanges with Member States under the UN80 initiative, initial assessments of institutional mergers in the development system, and further progress in the review of peace operations.

In the ensuing debate, Portugal expressed strong support for the SG’s leadership and vision. Besides, Portugal underscored the urgency of strengthening prevention and peacebuilding, adapting peace operations to current realities, and ensuring effective implementation of agreed frameworks, supported by predictable and adequate financing, for the Organization to deliver on its mandates.

Portugal welcomed the UN80 initiative as a timely opportunity to enhance the UN’s effectiveness, accountability, and credibility, while remaining anchored in the Charter. As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, Portugal reaffirmed its readiness to work constructively with partners to strengthen multilateralism and ensure that the Organization delivers for people, peace, and the planet, including, if elected, through its mandate on the Security Council.