The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro, is set to address the UN General Assembly in New York today. This marks the third and final day of his official visit to the United States. During his visit, Montenegro has engaged in various activities, including ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. He also met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, praising him as a "great moral reference for nations."
Montenegro's address to the UN General Assembly is scheduled for the early afternoon in New York. According to the UN's schedule, he will be the last speaker of the morning session, immediately following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This event is significant for Portugal, as the country is set to rejoin the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on January 1, 2027. Portugal was elected with the highest vote ever for a Portuguese candidacy to the council.
During his previous address to the UN General Assembly in 2024, Montenegro advocated for institutional reform. He suggested that the UN Security Council should make decisions by majority vote in specific matters and circumstances, rather than being blocked by veto power. Montenegro also condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and called for a ceasefire in Gaza, with negotiations towards a two-state solution.
The UN General Assembly is the primary representative organ of the UN, comprising all 193 member states. While it has a representative function, the UN Security Council holds the power to make binding decisions. The Security Council consists of five permanent members with veto power: China, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Russia.
Portugal has a history of participation in the UN Security Council, having been a member in the past. The country previously served on the council in 1979-1980, 1997-1998, and 2011-2012. Portugal's current term is set to begin in 2027 and will last for two years. The country's representation at the UN General Assembly has alternated between the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister.
Montenegro's participation in the UN General Assembly is part of a long-standing tradition of Portuguese involvement. In recent years, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has represented Portugal in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025. Previously, former Prime Minister António Costa addressed the assembly in 2017, 2020, and 2022.
The Prime Minister's address to the UN General Assembly highlights Portugal's commitment to international cooperation and diplomacy. As the country prepares to take on a new role at the UN Security Council, Montenegro's speech is expected to emphasize Portugal's priorities and vision for global governance. The event is being covered by various news sources, including RecordTV Cabo Verde.
Key points
- Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to address the UN General Assembly in New York today.
- Montenegro's address to follow that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Portugal set to rejoin the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member on January 1, 2027.
