United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres Receives Honorary Degree from The New School; Delivers Remarks Exploring “Women and Power”
The New School conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on António Guterres, the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations, commending his global contributions as a peace broker, bridge-builder, and as a promoter of reform and innovation. The conferral of an honorary degree recognizes individuals who exemplify the highest values, aims, and ideals of The New School’s educational mission to address complex global issues, thus making the world a better and more just place.
Guterres was recognized for his leadership at the United Nations, where he has served as Secretary-General since January 2017. Under his leadership, the UN has achieved gender parity in its senior ranks for the first time, and has become a space for scientists, educators, and governments to create the framework for a more humane and civil future. He has also advocated for improved responses to international crises and safeguards for the rights of refugees; increased awareness of the links between climate change and the environment, equality, and prosperity; and recognition of the damage technological development can cause if left unchecked.
During his keynote, Guterres discussed gender inequality and discrimination, specifically as it relates to international crises, climate change, gender rights, technology and the digital divide, and political representation. Noting that gender equality is a question of power, one that has been jealously guarded by men for centuries, he called for the transformation and redistribution of power to safeguard our future and our planet.
Guterres is the second United Nations Secretary-General who has been recognized by The New School. In 1950, the university conferred an honorary degree on Trygve Halvdan Lie, the first Secretary-General of the UN, for his work pressing “for a peaceful alternative to cold conflict.”
Click here to watch Secretary-General Guterres keynote address.
