The United Nations will choose its next secretary-general this summer, with António Guterres set to leave office after two terms. Several candidates have entered the race to become the UN’s 10th chief, but the selection process remains shaped by negotiations among major powers.
The secretary-general serves as the UN’s top official, acting as both a diplomat and administrator. The role involves mediating international disputes, representing UN values, overseeing thousands of staff members and coordinating the work of UN agencies around the world.
The current secretary-general, António Guterres of Portugal, became the ninth person to hold the post and took office on 1 January 2017.
His second term ends on 31 December, with a new secretary-general expected to begin a five-year term on 1 January 2027.
Although the secretary-general cannot directly order military action or impose sanctions, the position carries significant diplomatic influence.
One of the key responsibilities is using the secretary-general’s “good offices”- diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing conflicts from escalating through negotiations and behind-the-scenes engagement.
The secretary-general must balance the interests of UN member states while also defending the organisation’s principles and speaking out on issues related to peace, human rights and international law.
Who are the candidates?
Several candidates are competing to become the next UN secretary-general, including diplomats and former leaders.
The 65-year-old Rafael Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was formally nominated by Argentina.
Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet has pledged to rebuild trust in the organisation, while the secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica has highlighted the need for reform.
Former Senegalese president Macky Sall has also called for the UN to be “reformed, streamlined and modernised” to address global challenges.
The selection process begins with nominations from UN member states.
The UN Security Council then holds secret ballots, known as straw polls, to assess candidates. Council members can choose from the following options:
The five permanent members of the Security Council - the United States, Russia, China, the UK and France - play a decisive role because any one of them can block a candidate with a veto.
Once the Security Council agrees on a nominee, it recommends the candidate to the General Assembly, which formally approves the appointment.
The United Nations has taken steps to make the traditionally closed-door selection process more transparent. Under a General Assembly resolution adopted in September 2025, candidates are expected to provide vision statements when formally nominated and have the opportunity to present their priorities to member states.
The selection process will follow General Assembly resolutions and be guided by principles of transparency and inclusivity.
Read more:
A Russian guided aerial bomb has struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, injuring 22 people, including children, according to the city’...
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral ties and ...
SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday despite an unexpected engine shutdown, deploying 26 new S...
Iran has called for a diplomatic solution after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected its Hormuz proposal, while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was awaiting a definitive U.S. response through mediators.
A Russian guided aerial bomb has struck an apartment building in Kharkiv, injuring 22 people, including children, according to the city’s mayor. The strike follows a day of near-continuous Russian attacks across Ukraine that killed at least five people.
British police have arrested five men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act after a major security incident was declared near RAF Fairford, a British air base used by U.S. air forces in Gloucestershire, England.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has arrived in Washington for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral ties and key regional and international developments, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 28 September 2026. These are the top stories making headlines in technology.
SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket reached orbit for the first time on Monday despite an unexpected engine shutdown, deploying 26 new Starlink satellites before ending its shortened test flight with a controlled touchdown in the Pacific.
EU defence ministers have stepped up talks on military readiness and long-term support for Ukraine, as pressure mounts on Europe to close critical defence gaps and strengthen its ability to respond to security threats.
China and the U.S. have unveiled a broader package of economic cooperation after President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington, covering tariffs, agriculture, coal, finance, aviation and artificial intelligence.
The European Union is considering targeted accession roadmaps for Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro and Albania, offering clearer reform priorities and timelines as Brussels looks to speed up enlargement.
A decade ago, a far-right party winning a major Western European election would have caused a political shock. Today, such results are increasingly becoming part of Europe’s political landscape.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment