UN leadership race focuses on restoring trust
Six candidates seeking to replace outgoing United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have promised to rebuild confidence in the organisation as it faces global conflicts, financial pressure and criticism over its effectiveness.
During a debate at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York, the candidates outlined their visions for leading the organisation into a challenging new era.
The race includes former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and former Senegalese president Macky Sall.
Candidates promise stronger UN role
The hopefuls said their priority would be restoring the UN’s influence in addressing conflicts around the world.
Grynspan said she wanted to see a UN that was once again central to solving international crises and delivering results.
Sall promised to use his first 100 days in office to rebuild trust and make the organisation more effective and responsive.
Rodrigues-Birkett said she would focus on conflicts including those in Iran, Haiti, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Grossi argued that the secretary-general must take action when countries engage in aggression, saying the UN needs to regain its credibility as a global peace institution.
Organisation faces major challenges
The next secretary-general will inherit a UN facing financial difficulties and criticism from some member states.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has accused the organisation of overspending and failing to deliver enough results, while other countries continue to emphasise the UN’s role in human rights and development.
Candidates highlighted the need for reforms to improve efficiency and ensure the organisation can respond faster to international crises.
Bachelet said she would not allow pressure from powerful countries to influence her decisions, while Espinosa stressed that conflict prevention must become a central focus of the UN.
Selection process begins soon
The UN Security Council will begin the formal selection process on 30 July with a confidential vote among its 15 members.
Several rounds of voting will continue until a candidate secures enough support without opposition from any of the five permanent members — the United States, United Kingdom, China, France and Russia.
The chosen candidate will then be presented to the General Assembly for approval and will take office on 1 January 2027.
Diplomats say the race remains open, with Grossi viewed by some as an early favourite, although Grynspan and Rodrigues-Birkett also have strong support.
The election could also mark a historic moment, as many countries are calling for the first woman to become UN secretary-general.
