A high-stakes contest to lead the United Nations has taken shape in New York, where four candidates seeking to replace António Guterres faced hours of questioning.
The sessions, held at the UN headquarters, allowed diplomats to assess each contender’s ideas on leadership, global crises, and the future of the organisation.
Those in the race include Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, and Senegal’s Macky Sall.
Guterres, who has led the UN since 2017, is expected to step down when his term ends on January 1, 2027.
The role of Secretary-General is widely seen as the world’s top diplomatic position, responsible for steering peace efforts and global cooperation.
Meanwhile, the questioning sessions are part of a transparent process introduced in recent years to give member states more insight into candidates.
Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency, painted a worrying picture of the UN’s current standing.
“There are enormous, huge doubts about our institution.”
“We have to concentrate on that.”
He said restoring credibility must come first, adding that the UN leader must engage directly in conflict zones around the world.
Candidates Present Competing Visions For UN Future
Each candidate focused on the UN’s core pillars: peace and security, human rights, and development.
Michelle Bachelet, a former Chilean president and ex-UN human rights chief, focused on diplomacy and prevention.
“I stand before you to reclaim the urgent need for dialogue.”
She added that the Secretary-General must be “physically present in the field.”
Rebeca Grynspan, who leads the UN trade and development agency, spoke about moral leadership during global uncertainty.
“Continue to be the moral voice and the impartial voice that the secretary-general has to be.”
She described the UN’s cautious approach as a weakness.
“We need to take more risks – and I am ready to fail and try again.”
Macky Sall, Senegal’s former president, said the UN must rebuild its global influence.
“Regain its place at the global table.”
He added that he would act as a “bridge-builder” to reduce tensions and restore cooperation.
Politics, Protests And Power Shape Final Decision
Despite the presentations, no clear frontrunner has emerged, leaving the race open to new entrants.
The selection process is complex, with the UN Security Council responsible for recommending a candidate.
The final decision then goes to the General Assembly for approval by all member states.
Regional rotation has often guided the choice, and this cycle is widely seen as Latin America’s turn.
However, the UN Charter does not strictly enforce this rule, allowing candidates like Sall to remain in contention.
The race has also drawn political pressure and controversy.
Sall faced protests outside the UN headquarters linked to alleged corruption concerns during his presidency.
Meanwhile, Bachelet could face opposition from the United States, where some lawmakers disagree with her stance on reproductive rights.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the importance of the role in global governance.
“This role matters.”
“The secretary-general is not only the head of the UN and the world’s top diplomat – she or he also represents all 8 billion of us.”
UN official Susana Malcorra said the organisation needs fresh leadership energy.
“More than ever.”
For deeper insights into the selection process, see reporting from BBC News and Reuters.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
