Race to Succeed Antonio Guterres: Who Will Be the Next UN Secretary-General?

The race to elect the next United Nations secretary-general has officially begun, with candidates from across the globe positioning themselves for the influential role. As the current chief, Antonio Guterres, approaches the end of his term, contenders such as Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi and former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet have emerged in the race.

The U.N. Security Council will eventually recommend one candidate, after a series of confidential ballots, to the General Assembly. Historically, the General Assembly has rubber-stamped these recommendations. A focus on increasing transparency during the nomination process has led to new measures, including public vision statements from candidates.

Despite an 80-year history, the U.N. has never had a female secretary-general. A recent resolution urges member states to consider female candidates, highlighting the call for gender diversity in leadership roles within the global body. The U.N. hopes to address this gender gap in its current election process.