The United Nations has begun a new phase in the selection process for its next Secretary-General, with four leading candidates set to present their visions in public, live-streamed hearings.
Former Senegalese President, Macky Sall, former Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, Argentinian diplomat, Rafael Grossi, and Costa Rican economist, Rebeca Grynspan, are all in the race to succeed António Guterres.
The next Secretary-General is expected to assume office on January 1, 2027, at a time when the organisation faces financial pressures, unpaid member contributions, and growing scrutiny over its effectiveness in addressing global conflicts.
Unlike past selections, the process now includes public interactive dialogues aimed at improving transparency and allowing member states and civil society to directly assess candidates.
UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said the candidates will present their visions and respond to questions covering leadership, reform, and the UN’s core mandates of peace, development, and human rights.
He confirmed that Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi will appear on Tuesday, while Rebeca Grynspan and Macky Sall are scheduled for Wednesday.
General Assembly President, Annalena Baerbock, said the discussions will focus on leadership qualities and the future direction of the UN, with civil society groups also allowed to submit questions during the sessions.
The UN has never been led by a woman in its nearly 80-year history, a gap previously highlighted by the General Assembly, which has called for stronger consideration of female candidates.
Bachelet, a former Chilean president and ex-UN Women head, previously served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022.
