UN Invites Nominations for Next Secretary-General
The United Nations has formally opened the process to select its next Secretary-General, inviting all 193 member states to submit nominations for a successor to António Guterres, whose second term ends in December 2026. The step follows a joint letter issued on 25 November by the Presidents of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, marking the official start of the selection process.
The letter encourages countries to consider nominating women and candidates from underrepresented regions, stressing the need for greater gender balance and diversity. In the UN’s 80 year history, no woman has ever served as Secretary-General, a point highlighted by diplomats and advocacy groups calling for broader representation in global leadership.
While nominations have only recently opened, several names have emerged in diplomatic discussions. Figures being widely mentioned include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi. Diplomats note that the Latin America and Caribbean region is seen by many observers as a possible contender, as it has not previously held the organisation’s top post.
The next phase of the process will involve a series of informal, closed-door straw polls conducted by the UN Security Council to gauge support for candidates. Any individual facing a veto from one of the five permanent members namely China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom or the United States, will be unable to move forward. After the Council agrees on a candidate, the name will be sent to the UN General Assembly for a formal vote.
The new Secretary-General is scheduled to assume office on 1 January 2027, taking charge at a time of continued global conflicts, humanitarian pressures and growing expectations of the UN’s role in crisis response.
