The race to succeed António Guterres as the next leader of the United Nations is gathering momentum, with a smaller pool of candidates and a more transparent selection process shaping the contest.
With Guterres second term set to end on 31 December, the United Nations is actively identifying its next Secretary-General, who will take office on 1 January. The process is guided by the UN Charter but has undergone significant reforms aimed at opening up what was once a largely closed-door procedure.
At the center of the selection is Article 97 of the UN Charter, which states that the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council. While this framework remains unchanged, the way candidates are evaluated and presented has evolved over time.
The current process formally began on 25 November last year when the presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council issued a joint letter inviting nominations from member states. The letter also outlined expectations and key steps, setting a clearer structure for the selection.
Candidates must be nominated by at least one member state, though they do not have to be from that country. Each nominee submits a vision statement, curriculum vitae and disclosures related to campaign financing, allowing greater scrutiny of their qualifications and plans.
A publicly accessible list of candidates is maintained throughout the process, marking a significant shift toward transparency. Governments and the public can review profiles and track developments as the race progresses.
Security Council holds decisive power
A major reform in recent years is the introduction of public interactive dialogues, where candidates present their vision and answer questions from member states. These sessions are broadcast live, offering rare insight into the individuals competing for one of the world most influential diplomatic roles.
Dialogues scheduled for 21 April and 22 April are expected to highlight candidates positions on key global challenges, including conflict resolution, climate change and economic inequality.
As of April, four candidates are officially in the race: Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica and Macky Sall of Senegal.
Their experience spans national leadership and international institutions. Bachelet is a former Chile president and previously served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Grossi heads the International Atomic Energy Agency, while Grynspan leads the UN Conference on Trade and Development. Sall is the former president of Senegal.
Although the field remains limited, additional candidates could still be nominated. There is no strict deadline, but past trends show the list usually narrows before the most critical stages.
The process then moves to the Security Council, where political realities become decisive. The council conducts informal straw polls to measure support for candidates and identify those with the strongest backing.
These polls are particularly significant because of the veto power held by the five permanent members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Any candidate opposed by one of these powers is unlikely to advance.
While the straw polls are not made public, they play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Candidates with limited support often withdraw, gradually narrowing the field to a single consensus choice.
Once agreement is reached, the Security Council forwards its recommendation to the General Assembly. The Assembly then formally appoints the Secretary-General, typically by acclamation, confirming broad international support.
Recent reforms have made the process more open compared to earlier decades, when decisions were largely made behind closed doors. Changes introduced since 2016 have increased transparency and public engagement, including the use of candidate dialogues.
The 2016 selection process, which resulted in Guterres appointment, featured 13 candidates and significant global attention. It also included calls for the appointment of the first female Secretary-General, reflecting broader debates about representation.
In contrast, the current race appears more streamlined, though still shaped by complex geopolitical considerations. Regional balance, diplomatic experience and political acceptability remain key factors.
As the process continues, candidates are expected to outline how they would address major global challenges while navigating the competing interests of powerful member states.
The final decision will ultimately reflect both the principles of transparency introduced in recent years and the enduring influence of global power dynamics within the United Nations system.
