The race is officially on for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, with member states invited to submit their nominations for the position that will succeed Antonio Guterres starting in 2027. This announcement came on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of the role within the global intergovernmental framework.
In a formal communication directed to the UN’s 193 member nations, leaders articulated their desire for candidates who not only possess a wealth of experience in international relations and diplomacy but also exhibit proficiency in multiple languages. This reflects the UN’s commitment to inclusivity and its foundational principles.
A joint letter from Sierra Leone’s ambassador, Michael Imran Kanu, who currently serves as the president of the Security Council, and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, highlighted the Secretary-General’s position as one that demands the highest levels of efficacy, integrity, and commitment to the UN Charter’s values.
Adding an exciting layer to the nomination process is a call for gender balance in global leadership. The UN leadership noted, with a sense of urgency, that a woman has never held the office of Secretary-General. They strongly encouraged member states to promote female candidates during this selection process. Already, notable figures such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, current head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), have emerged as potential contenders.
As part of the nomination process, interested candidates must be backed by a member state or coalition, accompanied by a vision statement and information about funding sources to ensure transparency. Historically, there has been a tradition of geographical rotation for this position, and while Latin America is next in line, the UN also values regional diversity and is open to a broader array of nominations.
As the process moves forward, it is expected that candidates will participate in public interviews, similar to the transparent procedures adopted during the selection of Guterres in 2016. The formal selection will commence at the end of July, and the outcome will ultimately rest in the hands of the UN Security Council’s five permanent members— the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France—who hold significant veto power.
Once the Security Council reaches a consensus, the final selection will be submitted to the General Assembly for election, with the new Secretary-General set to begin their five-year term on January 1, 2027.
This transition to a new Secretary-General presents an opportunity for fresh perspectives and renewed commitments to tackling global challenges. As we look toward the future, the importance of diverse representation and inclusive leadership within the United Nations becomes ever more paramount.
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