UN Secretary-General Race Heats Up as Macky Sall Joins Global Leadership Contest

The race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General is gaining momentum this week as four high-profile candidates face a series of public auditions before UN member states.

Among them is Senegal’s former President Macky Sall, the only African contender in the field, as the world prepares to select a successor to outgoing UN chief António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31.

The selection process, which takes place through the UN General Assembly, will also feature Chile’s former President Michelle Bachelet, Argentina’s nuclear chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, and UN trade official Rebeca Grynspan.

Bachelet will open the sessions on Tuesday, followed by Grossi. Grynspan will appear on Wednesday, with Sall closing the round of interviews.

Compared to a decade ago, when 13 candidates competed for the role, this year’s contest is notably smaller, reflecting rising global tensions and increased diplomatic caution.

Experts say the current geopolitical climate—marked by conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and other regions—has weakened the influence of the United Nations and made the selection process more sensitive than in previous years.

The UN Security Council’s five permanent members—the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France—still hold decisive power in recommending the final candidate, using veto authority that can block any nomination.

The role has traditionally rotated by region, with expectations that the next Secretary-General could come from Latin America, though Africa and Eastern Europe remain politically significant contenders.

Each candidate will be questioned on global crises, UN reforms, and their vision for restoring the institution’s relevance amid growing international division.