Key facts
- The next UN Secretary-General will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027.
- Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett is reportedly leading in informal polls.
- Candidates include Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, Michelle Bachelet, Macky Sall, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Olara Otunnu, and Ivonne Baki.
- Rafael Grossi leads the UN nuclear watchdog and has engaged in diplomacy regarding Iran and Ukraine.
- Rebeca Grynspan, former VP of Costa Rica, heads UNCTAD and could be the first female Secretary-General.
- Michelle Bachelet, former Chilean president, has faced criticism regarding her human rights record.
- Macky Sall, ex-president of Senegal, advocates for developing nations and Security Council reform.
- Maria Fernanda Espinosa has served as Ecuador's foreign minister and UN General Assembly president.
- Olara Otunnu, a former UN under-secretary-general, emphasizes institutional reform and conflict resolution.
- Ivonne Baki, an Ecuadorian diplomat, focuses on conflict prevention and claims U.S. support.
The selection process for the 10th United Nations Secretary-General, who will serve a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027, is underway, with an informal poll indicating Guyana's Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett is narrowly leading.
Rafael Grossi, the 65-year-old Director General of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, is a prominent candidate. A career diplomat from Argentina, Grossi has significantly raised the profile of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through his shuttle diplomacy, notably securing a U.N. team at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in Ukraine. Despite his high profile and perceived frontrunner status among many diplomats, Russia has expressed reservations about his candidacy.
Rebeca Grynspan, 70, heads the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and is campaigning on a platform of reform and multilateralism. The former Vice President of Costa Rica has stepped back from her duties to avoid conflicts of interest and would be the first woman to hold the Secretary-General position if elected.
Michelle Bachelet, 74, a former two-time president of Chile and ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is also in contention. Despite support from Brazil and Mexico, Chile withdrew its backing for her bid. U.S. conservatives, including Representative Mike Waltz and Senator Pete Ricketts, have voiced concerns about her suitability, particularly regarding her stance on China's actions against Uyghur Muslims.
Macky Sall, 64, the former president of Senegal, is seeking to champion developing countries burdened by debt and advocates for Security Council reform. His nomination by Burundi positions him as a potential third African to hold the top UN post.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa, 61, a former foreign affairs and defense minister of Ecuador, has advised the UN on biodiversity, climate change, and Indigenous peoples' policies. Her previous roles as Ecuador's UN ambassador and president of the General Assembly provide her with extensive institutional knowledge.
Carolyn Allison Farida Rodrigues Birkett, a career diplomat and former politician, has served as Guyana's permanent representative to the UN since 2020. She was the first woman and highest-ranking Indigenous person to be Guyana's foreign minister and has held senior roles at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. If elected, she would be the first woman and first Caribbean national to lead the United Nations.
Olara Otunnu, 75, a diplomat and former UN under-secretary-general nominated by Uganda, is the oldest candidate. He emphasizes restoring the UN's moral authority, institutional reforms, and prioritizing efforts to end major international conflicts, also highlighting the need for AI oversight and climate action.
Ivonne Baki, an Ecuadorian diplomat nominated by Tonga, draws on her experience during Lebanon's civil war, focusing on conflict prevention. She has stated her candidacy has U.S. support and acknowledged friendships with former Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, though the U.S. has not officially commented.