The race for the next United Nations Secretary-General is heating up with four prominent candidates vying to replace outgoing chief Antonio Guterres. The 10th UN Secretary-General will be elected this year for a five-year term starting on January 1, 2027.
Key Takeaways
The race for the next UN Secretary-General features four prominent candidates: Rafael Grossi, Rebecca Grynspan, Michelle Bachelet, and Macky Sall. Each candidate brings unique experiences and visions to the table as they vie to replace outgoing chief Antonio Guterres.
- Four candidates are running for the position of UN Secretary-General.
- Rafael Grossi is seen as a front-runner due to his extensive diplomatic experience.
- Rebecca Grynspan aims to become the first woman Secretary-General, emphasizing reform and multilateralism.
- Michelle Bachelet faces political challenges but continues her campaign with international support.
- Macky Sall highlights his experience as Senegal's president and advocates for African development.
Rafael Grossi, a 65-year-old career diplomat from Argentina, has been the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the past six years. Known for his hyperactive diplomacy, Grossi has led negotiations aimed at salvaging parts of a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and major powers after President Donald Trump's decision to pull the US out in 2018. His critics argue he has gone too far in trying to cut deals with Iran.
Rebecca Grynspan, 70, depicts herself as a reform-minded multilateralist who has battled gender barriers and has had a lifelong belief in the UN and its commitment to peace, development, and human rights. A former vice president of Costa Rica and current head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Grynspan said she stepped back from duties until September to avoid conflicts of interest during the campaign. If elected, Grynspan would become the first woman Secretary-General.
Michelle Bachelet, 74, is a two-time president of Chile and a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She has faced criticism from US conservatives for her pro-choice stance on abortion and has been accused of not labeling China's actions against Uyghur Muslims as genocide. Despite Chile withdrawing its backing in March due to a right-wing shift in the country’s leadership, Bachelet continues her campaign with support from Brazil and Mexico.
Macky Sall, who was Senegal's president for 12 years until 2024, emphasizes his experience as head of state as a key asset for the role. The 64-year-old geologist has championed African development and stressed the need to support developing countries burdened by debt. He is calling for an overhaul of the Security Council in response to demands from developing nations for permanent seats on the most powerful UN body.
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