United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Brussels on 18 March for his annual meetings with leaders of the European Union.
On Wednesday, he will meet with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, followed by António Costa, President of the European Council, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.
The following day, Thursday, 20 March, the Secretary-General will attend a working lunch hosted by Mr. Costa, alongside the heads of state and government of EU member states, ahead of the European Council meeting.
A Longstanding and Strong Partnership
The EU is a key partner for the United Nations. Thanks to the EU’s leadership and generosity, the UN can save lives and contribute to global stability and security.
The EU and its member states are collectively the largest financial contributors to the UN system, year after year.
In fact, the EU and its member states provide one-third of all financial contributions to UN agencies, funds, and programs (according to the latest definitive figures from 2022). The total contributions from the 27 EU member states also account for nearly a quarter of the UN’s regular budget.
Recognition of the UN’s Work
On Friday morning, KU Leuven and UC Louvain universities will jointly award an honorary doctorate to the United Nations.
The Secretary-General will receive the degree on behalf of the Organization and will deliver a speech paying tribute to the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of the thousands of men and women who, under the UN flag, support vulnerable populations in some of the world’s most dangerous regions.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on UN WebTV.
During his stay in Brussels, Mr. Guterres will also hold a bilateral meeting with Belgium’s new Prime Minister, Bart De Wever.
