Key facts
- The next UN secretary-general will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027.
- Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, is a prominent candidate known for his diplomacy in international crises.
- Rebeca Grynspan, head of UNCTAD, aims to lead a more agile UN and would be the first woman in the role.
- Michelle Bachelet, former Chilean president and UN Human Rights chief, faces criticism regarding China's actions against Uyghurs.
- Macky Sall, ex-president of Senegal, advocates for Security Council reform and support for debt-burdened nations.
- Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former Ecuadorian minister, offers a vision for a more purposeful UN.
- Carolyn Allison Farida Rodrigues Birkett, Guyana's UN representative, pledges to strengthen conflict prevention and climate action.
- Olara Otunnu, a former UN under-secretary-general, emphasizes institutional reform and conflict resolution.
The selection process for the 10th United Nations secretary-general is underway, with a five-year term set to begin on January 1, 2027. Among the candidates is Rafael Grossi, the current director general of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, known for his diplomatic efforts concerning Iran's nuclear program and his role in establishing an IAEA presence at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Many see him as a frontrunner due to his experience navigating the U.N. Security Council's permanent members.
Rebeca Grynspan, who leads the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development, presents herself as a reform-minded multilateralist and would be the first woman to hold the secretary-general position. She has stepped back from her duties to avoid conflicts of interest during her campaign.
Michelle Bachelet, a former two-time president of Chile and ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is also a candidate, though Chile has withdrawn its support. She has faced criticism from U.S. conservatives regarding her stance on abortion and her record on China's actions against Uyghur Muslims.
Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, is seeking the position with a platform focused on supporting developing countries burdened by debt and advocating for Security Council reform to include more permanent seats for developing nations. Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Ecuador's former foreign affairs and defense minister, has been nominated and highlights her experience within the UN system.
Carolyn Allison Farida Rodrigues Birkett, Guyana's permanent representative to the UN, aims to make the organization more effective by strengthening conflict prevention and advancing climate action. Olara Otunnu, a diplomat and former UN under-secretary-general, is the oldest candidate and emphasizes institutional reforms and efforts to end international conflicts, while also noting the need for oversight on AI within the UN.