Race for the UN leadership: first public exchanges to differentiate between candidates

Candidates to succeed Antonio Guterres begin a series of public hearings at the UN this week, a step designed to outline their priorities before the appointment of the next Secretary-General. This process, established to enhance transparency, comes amid international tensions and financial difficulties for the organization.

Four individuals are officially in the running to take the helm of the institution starting in January 2027. They advocate different approaches but converge on the need to restore the credibility of a weakened organization. Several states are also campaigning for the election of a woman, while Latin America is demanding this position based on a principle of regional rotation.

A choice still dominated by the major powers

Despite these hearings, the final decision remains in the hands of the Security Council, and in particular its five permanent members who hold veto power. Geopolitical balances and national interests thus continue to heavily influence the outcome of the process.

The candidates include former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi, Costa Rican Rebeca Grynspan, and former Senegalese president Macky Sall. All emphasize their international experience and the need to strengthen cooperation in the face of current crises, although their political support varies across regions.