As the United Nations prepares to select its next Secretary-General, six candidates from Latin America and Africa are vying to replace António Guterres, whose term ends in 2026.
Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 23, 2026 ALN: The United Nations, an international organization founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among nations, is currently in the process of selecting its next Secretary-General. This pivotal leadership role is especially significant as António Guterres, the current Secretary-General, prepares to conclude his second and final five-year term on December 31, 2026. The next UN chief will be tasked with addressing a multitude of pressing global issues, including escalating geopolitical tensions, financial constraints, and increasing demands for comprehensive institutional reform.
The role of the Secretary-General is critical within the UN framework. Acting as the chief administrative officer, the Secretary-General oversees the organization’s operations and works closely with the UN Security Council and General Assembly on matters of international peace, security, and diplomacy. This position not only requires strong leadership and diplomatic skills but also a deep understanding of the complex interplay between member states and the challenges they face.
The selection process for the next Secretary-General is both intricate and competitive. The 15-member UN Security Council plays a central role in the recommendation of candidates, which is then followed by a formal appointment by the UN General Assembly. The dynamics of this process are influenced heavily by the five permanent members of the Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—each of whom holds veto power. This means that any candidate can be blocked by a single permanent member, adding an additional layer of complexity to the selection.
The current race for the position includes six candidates from Latin America and Africa, each bringing a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the table. Their backgrounds reflect a diverse range of expertise, from human rights advocacy to nuclear diplomacy, and they all share a commitment to addressing the urgent challenges facing the global community.
Michelle Bachelet (Chile)
Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet is a prominent candidate aiming to become the first woman to lead the United Nations. Bachelet's political career has been marked by her tenure as president from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. Following her presidency, she served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022. Her extensive diplomatic experience and strong commitment to human rights are central to her candidacy. Bachelet argues that her leadership would not only bring a fresh perspective to the UN but also symbolize a significant step towards gender equality in global governance. She acknowledges the complexities of the divisions within the Security Council but believes her international experience equips her well for the challenges ahead.
Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina)
Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi currently holds the position of Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a role he has occupied since 2019. Grossi has dedicated his career to nuclear diplomacy and non-proliferation, emphasizing that his experience in managing nuclear security challenges provides him with valuable insights into the current geopolitical landscape. He advocates for ongoing reforms within the UN, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and enhance efficiency without fundamentally restructuring the organization. His expertise in dealing with high-stakes international negotiations positions him as a candidate who understands the intricacies of global diplomacy.
María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador)
Former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa brings a wealth of experience in sustainable development, climate policy, and international diplomacy to her candidacy. Having served as President of the UN General Assembly, she is well-acquainted with the inner workings of the UN. Espinosa has identified the financial challenges facing the organization as one of its most significant threats, asserting that the UN must either "reform, transform or die." She advocates for closer collaboration with regional organizations and believes that Europe should take a more active role in bridging the divides between states. Her focus on sustainability and development aligns with the UN's broader goals, making her a compelling candidate for leadership.
Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica)
Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan currently leads the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). She previously served as Costa Rica’s vice president and has gained international recognition for her role in negotiating agreements that facilitated Ukrainian grain exports during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Grynspan's candidacy is characterized by her calls for a more decisive and less risk-averse United Nations. She supports expanding representation on the Security Council, particularly for African and Latin American countries, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive approach to global governance.
Macky Sall (Senegal)
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall, who led the country from 2012 to 2024, is another candidate in the running. His presidency was marked by significant infrastructure development, but it was also marred by political unrest, including protests related to the imprisonment of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and controversies surrounding attempts to delay the 2024 presidential election. Despite these challenges, Senegal’s government has endorsed his candidacy, highlighting his experience in leadership and governance as assets for the role of Secretary-General.
Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana)
Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, entered the race in June 2026. With a background as Guyana’s foreign minister and extensive experience in senior UN positions, she brings a deep understanding of multilateral cooperation to her candidacy. Birkett has focused her campaign on improving the UN’s effectiveness and responsiveness to contemporary global challenges. Additionally, as a member of Guyana’s Amerindian population, she represents Indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in international decision-making.
The selection of the next Secretary-General comes at a time when the United Nations faces multiple crises, including armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, climate change, humanitarian emergencies, and significant financial pressures. The ability of the UN to effectively respond to these challenges is under scrutiny, and calls for reform have intensified. The next Secretary-General will need to navigate these complexities while fostering collaboration among member states.
As the selection process unfolds, it is expected that international politics will play a significant role in shaping the outcome. The candidates' experiences and visions for the future of the United Nations will be critical, but the influence of the Security Council's permanent members cannot be underestimated. The dynamics of global politics, including relationships between major powers and regional alliances, will likely impact the decision-making process.
In conclusion, the race to succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General is not merely about individual qualifications; it reflects broader global trends and challenges. The next leader of the United Nations will be tasked with guiding the organization through an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, advocating for reform, and ensuring that the UN remains a relevant and effective force for peace and cooperation in the world.
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