Downing Street said the Prime Minister met United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres on 16 January 2026. The official readout, published on 17 January, notes congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the first UN General Assembly in London and reaffirms UK support for the UN and the international rules‑based system. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-meeting-with-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-16-january-2026))
The government note adds that both leaders discussed the UN reform agenda, described by the Prime Minister as vital to meeting modern challenges, and that the UK would support the UN in advancing this work. No further policy specifics were released in the readout. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-meeting-with-united-nations-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-16-january-2026))
UN reform currently centres on implementing the Pact for the Future adopted by member states at the 2024 Summit of the Future, alongside the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. UN documentation presents this package as a plan to make multilateral institutions more effective, inclusive and fit for 21st‑century challenges. ([un.org](https://www.un.org/pact-for-the-future/en/about-pact?utm_source=openai))
On Security Council reform, the United Kingdom’s stated position is support for expanding both permanent and non‑permanent categories to a total membership in the mid‑twenties, with permanent African representation and new permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India and Japan. UK statements also press for movement towards text‑based negotiations in the General Assembly. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-uk-remains-a-strong-supporter-of-un-security-council-reform-uk-statement-in-the-un-general-assembly?utm_source=openai))
The Secretary‑General travelled to London for anniversary events and met the Prime Minister during the visit. UN briefings flagged a keynote address at Methodist Central Hall, the venue of the first General Assembly meeting in 1946, and recorded that talks with the Prime Minister covered Ukraine, Sudan and UN reform. ([un.org](https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/highlight/2026-01-15.html?utm_source=openai))
The 80‑year milestone coincides with renewed efforts to modernise UN operations and address long‑running cash‑flow pressures linked to delayed contributions. External reporting over the past year has noted a Secretariat‑wide UN80 reform effort and continued liquidity strain if arrears persist. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6c8318f9a129064ec69a179244ce4a3e?utm_source=openai))
For UK officials, the practical read‑across is clear. Security Council reform remains a live file with the UK’s preference set out publicly. Delivery of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact will engage cross‑government teams spanning peace and security, development finance, climate and digital policy, with London reiterating that the UN remains central to UK foreign policy. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-uk-remains-a-strong-supporter-of-un-security-council-reform-uk-statement-in-the-un-general-assembly?utm_source=openai))
The anniversary context frames the meeting. UN and UK communications emphasise that the first General Assembly opened at Methodist Central Hall in January 1946, and this week’s programme in London-including the Attorney General’s address at the same venue-underlines the symbolic setting for the encounter at No.10. ([un.org](https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/highlight/2026-01-15.html?utm_source=openai))