The celebration of the seventieth anniversary of Portugal’s accession to the United Nations, on December 14, 1955, constitutes a moment of particular significance in the diplomatic and political history of the Portuguese State. More than an anniversary, this date invites an in-depth reflection on Portugal’s journey in the international system and on the way in which the country has asserted itself, over seven decades, as a consistent defender of the founding values of the United Nations: peace, cooperation between peoples, respect for international law and human dignity.
Portugal’s entry into the UN represented, at the time, a decisive step in the country’s process of international affirmation in the post-Second World War period. In a global context marked by the Cold War, Portuguese accession meant formal recognition of its membership in the community of nations and integration into a global political space aimed at preserving peace and promoting cooperation.
Even in an internal political framework different from the current one, Portugal’s participation in the UN constituted from an early stage an opportunity for international dialogue and a point of permanent contact with the major transformations of the world system. The UN thus became a mirror of the tensions, challenges and strategic choices that marked Portuguese foreign policy throughout the 20th century.
However, the 1960s and early 1970s proved to be demanding for Portugal. The colonial issue placed Portugal at the center of intense debates in the UN General Assembly and highlighted the profound normative changes that were going through international law, namely the consecration of the principle of self-determination of peoples. This period, although difficult, was decisive for the maturation of Portugal’s relationship with the United Nations, demonstrating the organization’s role as a space for political confrontation, but also as a driver of historical transformation.
With the Revolution of April 25, 1974, a new chapter opened. Democracy, decolonization and progressive adherence to major international consensuses allowed Portugal to rediscover a natural space of belonging and affirmation in the UN.
Thus, over the last few decades, Portugal has established itself as a committed participant in United Nations initiatives. The Portuguese presence in peacekeeping missions, participation in debates on human rights, sustainable development, international security and ocean governance reflect a coherent foreign policy, based on dialogue and cooperation.
Portugal’s election to the Security Council as a non-permanent member, on several occasions, also testifies to international recognition of its responsible action and its ability to contribute constructively to collective security.
Let us look, for example, at the election of Diogo Freitas do Amaral as President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in 1995. This election constituted one of the most symbolic moments of the Portuguese presence in the organization. This event represented not only a personal distinction, but recognition of Portugal’s democratic maturity and international credibility.
Freitas do Amaral’s presidency reflected a humanist and legal vision of international relations, deeply aligned with the values of the United Nations Charter. It was also a clear sign that Portugal had fully established itself as a respected member within global multilateralism.
Already in the 20th century, the election of António Guterres as Secretary General of the United Nations, in 2016, he took the relationship between Portugal and the UN to an unprecedented level. For the first time, a Portuguese person assumed leadership of the organization, in a period marked by global challenges of enormous complexity.
António Guterres’ career, as High Commissioner for Refugees and as Secretary General, internationally projected a vision based on the centrality of the human person, international solidarity and international defense. His leadership became a source of legitimate national pride and reinforced Portugal’s association with the great global causes of our time, from refugee protection to climate action.
Today, celebrating seventy years of Portugal at the United Nations is celebrating a journey of learning, transformation and international affirmation. It is to recognize the path taken from cautious integration to active and influential participation in the international system.
In a world crossed by uncertainties, conflicts and global challenges that no State can face in isolation, the Portuguese experience reaffirms the relevance and need for the United Nations. Portugal, faithful to the spirit of the 1945 Charter, continues to affirm that dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law are the indispensable foundations of a fair and sustainable international order.
Seventy years later, Portugal’s presence at the UN is not just a historical fact, it is a living commitment to the future.