Why it is Significant
Key questions surrounding the ongoing process include:
- Which country will produce the next UN chief? - Will a woman be selected as the first-ever leader of the organization? - How will the five Permanent Members of the Security Council reconcile their political disparities in an increasingly fragmented global landscape?
A Brief Overview of the Secretary-General's Role
The Secretary-General, often referred to as SG within UN circles, serves as the principal administrative officer and top diplomat of the UN, with responsibilities that include:
- Leading the UN Secretariat and its global operations - Bringing issues jeopardizing international peace to the attention of the UN Security Council - Acting as a mediator, advocate, and public voice on global crises - Implementing decisions of Member States
United Nations: Four candidates have been nominated to succeed António Guterres as the next UN Secretary-General: Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), and Macky Sall (Senegal).
When will the Next Secretary-General be Chosen?
António Guterres's term concludes on December 31, 2026, with the next SG anticipated to assume office on January 1, 2027. The selection process is currently underway:
- November 2025: Member States are called upon to nominate candidates by April 1, 2026 - April 21-22, 2026: Candidates face questioning by UN Member States and civil society representatives in televised "interactive dialogues" in the Trusteeship Council chamber - Late July 2026: The 15-member Security Council deliberates on the candidates in closed sessions - Late 2026: The appointment is formalized by the UN General Assembly
Historically, the decision is typically reached between August and October.
Who are the Candidates?
The candidate pool often comprises diplomats, prime ministers, UN insiders, and prominent international figures. Presently, four nominees have been put forward.
Operational Framework:
- Candidates must be nominated by at least one UN Member State - Each country can nominate one candidate individually or jointly - Self-nomination is prohibited - Additional nominations can be made beyond the April 1 deadline
Unofficial Guidelines:
- Nationals of the five Permanent Members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States) are not typically nominated - While no official regional rotation policy exists, some advocate for a Latin American candidate, possibly explaining the regional origin of three current nominees
Influential Dynamics at the General Assembly and Security Council
The Secretary-General is appointed by the 193-member General Assembly upon the Security Council's recommendation, as outlined in Article 97 of the UN Charter. While the 15-member Council, particularly its veto-wielding permanent members, plays a pivotal role in shaping the recommendation, the Assembly ultimately makes the appointment.
To secure the position, a candidate must:
- Garner majority support in the Security Council - Avoid a veto from any of the Permanent Members
Informal straw polls are conducted within the Council to gauge support, opposition, or neutrality towards a candidate, continuing until a majority candidate emerges without a P5 veto.
Prospects for a Female Secretary-General
While momentum for a female SG is mounting, it remains uncertain. In the 80-year history of the UN, all nine Secretaries-General have been men. Member States are encouraged to nominate women, yet gender is not an official selection criterion.
The Security Council Landscape
The ultimate decision largely hinges on the ability of the P5 to reach a consensus. Recent disagreements among the P5 and impasses in the Security Council regarding crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran underscore the challenges that lie ahead.
