Director-General's remarks at the Opening ceremony of the Fado Concert on the 70th Anniversary of the Accession of Portugal to the UN

Opening ceremony of the Fado Concert on the 70th Anniversary 
of the Accession of Portugal to the UN

Monday, 15 December 2025, at 6.30 p.m.
The World Trade Organization - Salle des Pas Perdus

Ambassador Gomes,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to join you this evening for the Fado Concert marking the 70th Anniversary of the Accession of Portugal to the United Nations. I would like to warmly congratulate Portugal on this milestone and thank the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva for bringing us together for this beautiful celebration.

Tonight, we honour not only an important historical date, but also Portugal’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism and the core principles of the UN Charter: peace, human rights and sustainable development. For seven decades, Portugal has championed dialogue, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, contributing to UN initiatives that seek to address global challenges. It is therefore meaningful to recall that the United Nations today is led by a Secretary-General who is himself Portuguese.  

At a time when conflicts are intensifying and global tensions are rising, the mission of the United Nations is more vital than ever. The challenges before us – from wars and displacements to climate change, inequality and digital transformation – demand unity, trust and collective actions.

International Geneva plays a central role in meeting these global responsibilities. Here, every day, dialogue is advanced, consensus is fostered, and cooperation is strengthened. Portugal’s active engagement in this multilateral ecosystem continues to enrich our shared work and reinforce our capacity to respond to global needs.

This celebration, centered on fado, Portugal’s emblematic musical tradition and a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a powerful reminder of how culture connects people. Fado speaks of resilience and hope – sentiments that transcend borders and resonate with our universal aspiration for peace.

Let us therefore celebrate not only Portugal’s 70 years within the United Nations, but also the values we share and the future we are called to build together.

Thank you.