The race to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres is gaining momentum, with six candidates set to participate in a televised debate ahead of the formal selection process.
The candidates—Michelle Bachelet (Chile), María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana), and Macky Sall (Senegal)—will outline their leadership visions during a 90-minute session featuring questions from diplomats, UN staff, and civil society representatives.
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the debate as an important opportunity for the candidates to present their priorities at a time when the organisation faces significant financial and institutional challenges.
The United Nations is currently grappling with funding constraints and growing calls for reform, with some member states advocating a renewed focus on peace and security, while others stress the continued importance of human rights and sustainable development.
Analysts say the contest has been relatively low-key compared to previous races, with candidates avoiding controversial positions as they seek support from the UN Security Council’s permanent members.
The formal selection process begins on July 30, when the 15-member Security Council will hold its first confidential straw poll. The successful candidate must secure at least nine votes without a veto from any of the five permanent members before being recommended to the General Assembly for approval.
The next UN Secretary-General will assume office on January 1, 2027. Calls have also intensified for the UN to appoint its first female secretary-general, although Latin America is also pushing for the position under the organisation’s informal regional rotation principle.
