The Prime Minister met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at 10 Downing Street on 16 January 2026 during events marking the 80th anniversary of the first UN General Assembly.
The talks covered the organisation’s reform agenda, the international rules-based system, and a range of global issues. The meeting reaffirmed the UK’s role as a founding member and its continued engagement with multilateral institutions.
Introduction
The Prime Minister met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at 10 Downing Street in London on 16 January 2026. The meeting was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office and published the following day.
The discussion took place as the United Nations marked 80 years since its first General Assembly convened in Westminster in January 1946. The UK used the occasion to restate its support for the UN and the international system it helps to maintain.
Meeting at Downing Street and anniversary context
The Prime Minister welcomed the Secretary-General to Downing Street as part of events linked to the 80th anniversary of the first UN General Assembly, which was held in London. The anniversary provided a formal setting for reaffirming the UK’s historical role as a founding member and host of the organisation’s early work.
The meeting acknowledged the enduring relationship between the UK government and the United Nations, with both leaders recognising the continued relevance of multilateral engagement in addressing international concerns.
- Date and location of the meeting
- Connection to the UN General Assembly anniversary
Discussion on UN reform and multilateral cooperation
The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General discussed the UN’s reform agenda, with the UK expressing support for efforts aimed at enabling the organisation to respond to modern global conditions. The talks referenced the importance of maintaining the international rules-based system as a framework for cooperation between states.
The UK government indicated it would continue to work with the UN in supporting its core principles and institutional development.
- Support for the UN’s reform agenda
- Commitment to the international rules-based system
Global issues and international priorities
The leaders covered a range of international topics during their discussion, reflecting ongoing global concerns that shape diplomatic and policy coordination. The Prime Minister thanked the Secretary-General for his leadership in addressing challenges faced by the international community.
The meeting highlighted the role of the UN as a platform for dialogue on matters affecting countries across different regions and sectors.
UN at 80 reference data
| First General Assembly | Opened in January 1946 at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster |
| Founding members | 51 states, with the UK as host and founding participant |
| Anniversary focus | Marking eight decades of multilateral cooperation and governance |
Implications for UK foreign policy and international role
The meeting reinforced the UK’s position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and its ongoing involvement in multilateral processes. The Prime Minister underlined the government’s commitment to the UN’s core principles and the continued relevance of international cooperation.
The discussion framed the UK’s engagement with the UN as part of its wider foreign policy approach to global stability and institutional collaboration.
Stakeholder Comments
Ministerial Comments
Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister said;
“The United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the United Nations and the international rules-based system. Our discussions today reflect our shared aim of ensuring the UN continues to meet the demands of a changing world.”
António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General said;
“I appreciate the continued engagement of the United Kingdom in advancing multilateral cooperation and strengthening the principles that guide the work of the United Nations.”
In Conclusion
The meeting at Downing Street underscored the UK government’s ongoing relationship with the United Nations at a moment marking eight decades since the organisation’s first General Assembly. The discussions highlighted shared priorities around reform, cooperation, and the international framework guiding diplomatic engagement.
As the UN continues its work on global issues, the UK’s role as a founding member and permanent Security Council participant remains a central part of its international policy approach.
Sources: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, United Nations, and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
