The race to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations is entering a decisive phase as six candidates prepare to face a live televised debate before diplomats, UN staff and global audiences.
The 90-minute event, taking place at the UN General Assembly Hall, comes just one week before the Security Council begins the formal process of selecting a successor to outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026.
The candidates competing for one of the world’s most influential diplomatic positions are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and former Senegalese President Macky Sall.
The debate will give each candidate an opportunity to present their vision for leading the United Nations at a time when the organization faces mounting financial pressure, geopolitical divisions and growing calls for institutional reform.
Speaking ahead of the event, President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock described the debate as a rare opportunity for the international community to assess the leadership qualities, priorities and ideas of those seeking the organization’s highest office.
She stressed that the next Secretary-General must not only improve the UN’s efficiency but also defend the principles of the UN Charter, including peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.
The contest comes as the United Nations confronts one of its most difficult periods in recent years. The United States has called for sweeping reforms, arguing that the organization has expanded beyond its core responsibilities while failing to deliver expected results. Many other member states, however, continue to insist that development and human rights remain just as important as maintaining international peace and security.
Political analysts say this year’s campaign has been more cautious than previous leadership races, with candidates avoiding controversial positions that could alienate powerful Security Council members holding veto powers.
Before the public debate, each candidate had already spent several hours answering questions from representatives of the UN’s 193 member states. Many highlighted the need to modernize the organization, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the Secretary-General’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Attention will now shift to the UN Security Council, where the first confidential “straw poll” is scheduled for July 30. During the voting process, candidates must secure at least nine votes from the 15-member council while avoiding a veto from any of its five permanent members.
Once a consensus candidate emerges, the Security Council will recommend that individual to the General Assembly for formal appointment. The successful candidate will assume office on January 1, 2027.
Although Argentina’s Rafael Grossi is widely viewed by many diplomats as an early front-runner, observers say the race remains highly competitive. Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett are also considered strong contenders, while some analysts believe a surprise candidate could still emerge before the final decision.
The selection process has also revived discussions about regional representation and gender equality. Latin American countries argue that it is their region’s turn to lead the United Nations under the organization’s tradition of geographical rotation, while many member states continue to advocate for the appointment of the first woman to serve as UN Secretary-General.
With the world facing multiple conflicts, economic uncertainty and climate-related challenges, the choice of the next UN chief is expected to shape the direction of international diplomacy for years to come. As the campaign reaches its final stages, the candidates’ performance in the televised debate could play a significant role in influencing diplomatic support ahead of the crucial Security Council votes.
