A New Chapter for Global Governance: The Race for the Next UN Secretary-General Begins
The international community has officially commenced the pivotal process of selecting the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. In a formal letter circulated by Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative, who currently holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, member states have been invited to present their candidates for the world’s top diplomatic post.
A Call for Diversity and Inclusion
The letter from the Security Council presidency outlines key considerations for the upcoming selection. It strongly encourages member states to “seriously consider presenting women candidates,” highlighting the historic fact that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General since the UN’s founding.
Furthermore, the communication underscores “the importance of regional diversity in the selection of the Secretary-General,” signaling a commitment to a process that is representative of the global community.
The Road to Candidacy
The path to nomination is clearly defined. Candidates are put forward by member states, with each country permitted to propose only one individual. The formal process requires governments to submit an official letter of nomination to the presidents of both the Security Council and the General Assembly.
Once nominated, candidates are expected to present their vision and program for the future of the United Nations, along with a declaration of their financial resources. To ensure impartiality, any candidate currently serving within the UN system must resign from their post for the duration of the selection process to avoid conflicts of interest.
Timeline and Declared Candidates
The election for the next UN chief is anticipated to take place in late July 2026. This timeline aligns with the conclusion of the second term of the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, whose tenure ends on December 31, 2026.
To date, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has formally announced his candidacy for the position.
The Selection Process
The Secretary-General is formally appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year term that is renewable. While there is no official term limit, the longest tenure to date has been ten years. In accordance with established convention, the candidate for Secretary-General shall not be a national of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.