Key facts
- Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has joined the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as UN Secretary-General.
- Otunnu, 75, is a former UN under-secretary-general and special representative for children and armed conflict.
- His vision statement emphasizes institutional reforms, conflict resolution, AI oversight, and climate action.
- He is the seventh contender to enter the race, with straw polls in the Security Council set to begin.
Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has officially entered the race to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming the seventh contender to succeed Antonio Guterres. Otunnu, who previously served as a UN under-secretary-general and special representative for children and armed conflict, was nominated by Uganda.
At 75, Otunnu is the oldest candidate in the running. His vision statement outlines a commitment to continuing institutional reforms within the UN, prioritizing efforts to end major international conflicts, establishing a body to oversee AI work, and advocating for climate change action that does not impede economic development.
The selection process is set to intensify with straw polls in the 15-nation Security Council, aiming to narrow down the field of candidates. Other contenders include Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Macky Sall. Experts note that avoiding a veto from one of the five permanent Security Council members—China, Russia, or the United States—will be crucial for any candidate's success.