Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, took the stage today at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to reaffirm Portugal’s commitment to tackling key global challenges such as climate change, human rights, and gender equality. Montenegro emphasized the importance of working with Portuguese-speaking nations to advance these initiatives.
This year’s UNGA session is focused on the theme, “Leaving no one behind: acting together to advance peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations.”
Portugal strongly supports global efforts like the UN’s Summit of the Future planned for 2024. It is set to host the UN Alliance of Civilizations Forum the same year, demonstrating its leadership in fostering multilateral cooperation between different cultures.
Additionally, Prime Minister Montenegro participated in an event hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, involving nations that have signed security agreements with Ukraine. He condemned the Russian Federation’s aggression and called for a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
A joint declaration, which Portugal will co-sign, is expected from the gathering. Montenegro also attended a working lunch with the Leaders’ Group of the Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P), underscoring Portugal’s focus on sustainable development.
In his speech, Montenegro stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and highlighted Portugal’s significant strides in decarbonization and renewable energy.
Portugal has also positioned itself as a leader in ocean conservation and biodiversity, working on agreements like the recent one with Cabo Verde that turns debt into climate investment, showing its dedication to global sustainability. However, he also raised concerns about the slow progress in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his visit to New York, Montenegro met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and is expected to attend the customary reception hosted by US President Joe Biden for heads of state and government at the UNGA. Accompanying him is Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, who represented the country at the Summit of the Future.
The Prime Minister’s three-day visit to the United States will also include meetings with Portuguese emigrant communities in Mineola, Long Island, and Newark before his return to Portugal.
Speaking to the press, he defended the “legitimate ambition” of seeing Portuguese as an official language of the United Nations and that he would strongly advocate for creating more attractive working conditions for consular services.
In recent years, Portugal’s representation at the UNGA has alternated between the country’s president and prime minister. Prime Minister Montenegro follows a tradition set by his predecessors, with Portugal maintaining a prominent role in international diplomacy. The country is also a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 biennium, further demonstrating its active engagement in global governance.
PAJ/Staff/Updated
