Denmark welcomes appointment of António Guterres as new UN secretary-general

The foreign minister, Kristian Jensen, is firmly behind successor of Ban Ki-Moon

António Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal, is set to become the ninth UN secretary-general following a vote at the UN General Assembly yesterday.

Denmark is delighted that the former UN high commissioner for refugees will take over from Ban Ki-Moon as of 1 January 2017.

“On behalf of the government, I would like to congratulate António Guterres with his appointment,” said the foreign minister, Kristian Jensen.

“This is one of the most important positions in international co-operation, particularly now when the international community is facing huge and difficult challenges: the conflict in Syria, violent extremism, massive refugee and migration flows and the realisation of the new global goals.”

READ MORE: Denmark unveils fund aimed at reaching global 2030 goals

Over the Moon
Jensen contended he had faith in Guterres’ ability to generate concrete results on behalf of the UN and said he was looking forward to co-operating with him in the coming years.

Guterres’ appointment will initially last for five years following the end of the tenure of Ban Ki-Moon, who has filled the position of UN secretary-general since 2007.




  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.