The race to succeed António Guterres as the next leader of the United Nations is taking shape, marked by a streamlined field of candidates and a more transparent selection process.
With Guterres second term set to conclude on 31 December, the global body is deep into identifying its next Secretary-General, who will assume office on 1 January. While the process is rooted in the UN Charter, recent reforms have reshaped what was once a largely opaque exercise into a more open and scrutinized procedure.
At the core of the selection lies Article 97 of the UN Charter, which mandates that the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. Yet the mechanics behind that recommendation have evolved significantly, particularly over the past decade.
The modern selection process emphasizes transparency and inclusivity, guided by a series of General Assembly resolutions. These reforms have introduced clearer timelines, public candidate disclosures and interactive engagements that were previously absent.
The current cycle formally began on 25 November last year, when the presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council issued a joint letter to all member states. The communication outlined the roadmap and invited nominations, setting the stage for a structured and open contest.
Candidates must be nominated by at least one UN member state, though not necessarily their country of origin. Each nominee submits a detailed package that includes a vision statement, curriculum vitae and financial disclosures related to campaign activities.
As nominations are received, a publicly accessible list of candidates is maintained, offering transparency for both governments and global audiences. Candidate profiles are published and regularly updated, enabling scrutiny of their qualifications and priorities.
Security Council holds decisive power
One of the most notable innovations in recent years is the introduction of public interactive dialogues. These sessions allow candidates to present their vision and respond to questions from member states in a live webcast format.
Scheduled dialogues on 21 April and 22 April will provide a platform for the current candidates to articulate their priorities and leadership approach. These sessions are widely viewed as a significant step toward accountability, offering insight into how candidates would address pressing global challenges.
As of April, four candidates have officially entered the race: Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica and Macky Sall of Senegal.
Their backgrounds reflect a blend of political leadership and international experience. Bachelet previously served as Chile president and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Grossi leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, while Grynspan heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development. Sall is the former president of Senegal.
Despite the relatively small field, observers note that additional candidates may still emerge. There is no formal deadline for nominations, though historical precedent suggests the field narrows before the decisive stages begin.
Following the public phase, the process shifts to the Security Council, where geopolitical dynamics play a decisive role. The council conducts a series of informal straw polls to gauge support for each candidate.
These polls are critical in determining viability, particularly because of the veto power held by the five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
While the results of straw polls are not officially disclosed, they serve as an informal filtering mechanism. Candidates lacking sufficient support or facing opposition from permanent members typically withdraw, narrowing the field toward a consensus choice.
Once the Security Council agrees on a candidate, the recommendation is forwarded to the General Assembly for formal appointment. This step, while often procedural, is essential in legitimizing the selection.
The Assembly typically approves the candidate by acclamation, signaling broad international support. However, the process remains rooted in the balance between inclusivity and power politics.
The current framework marks a departure from earlier eras, when decisions were made largely behind closed doors. Reforms adopted in recent years, including a key resolution passed in September 2025, have built on earlier changes introduced in 2016.
That year selection process, which ultimately saw Guterres appointed, featured 13 candidates and unprecedented public engagement. It also included strong advocacy for appointing the first female Secretary-General, with seven women among the contenders.
In contrast, the 2026 race has so far attracted a smaller pool of candidates, suggesting either a more consolidated field or shifting political dynamics within the UN system.
As candidates prepare for upcoming dialogues, they are expected to address a range of global challenges, including conflict resolution, climate change and economic inequality. Their responses will be closely watched by member states and observers alike.
Ultimately, while the process has become more transparent, the outcome still hinges on geopolitical considerations within the Security Council. Balancing regional representation, political acceptability and leadership credentials remains a delicate task.
The selection of the next Secretary-General will not only shape the future direction of the United Nations but also reflect the evolving priorities of the international community in an increasingly complex world.
