The race to become the next United Nations secretary-general is taking shape, with seven candidates currently seeking the top diplomatic post. The 10th UN secretary-general will be selected this year for a five-year term beginning on January 1, 2027. The successful candidate will succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The candidates come from different regions and have backgrounds in diplomacy, politics, human rights, development and international affairs. Rafael Grossi Rafael Grossi, 65, is widely viewed as a leading contender. The Argentine diplomat has headed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the past six years. Grossi has played a prominent role in international nuclear diplomacy. He was involved in efforts to preserve parts of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement after the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018. His diplomatic efforts have also taken him to some of the world’s most sensitive conflict zones. One of his notable achievements was securing the presence of an IAEA team at Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. His experience dealing with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council could strengthen his chances. Their support is considered crucial in the selection process. Rebeca Grynspan Rebeca Grynspan, 70, is a former vice president of Costa Rica and currently heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development. She presents herself as a reform-oriented multilateralist. Her campaign focuses on strengthening the UN while protecting its commitment to peace, development and human rights. If elected, Grynspan would make history as the first woman to serve as UN secretary-general. She has spoken about the challenges women face in senior leadership positions. She has also argued for equal treatment rather than special treatment for women. Grynspan says the UN needs to become more flexible and effective. She supports greater cooperation with governments and other international actors. Michelle Bachelet Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, 74, is another prominent candidate. Bachelet served as Chile’s president twice. She also held senior positions within the UN, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and head of UN Women. Her candidacy has received support from Brazil and Mexico. However, Chile withdrew its backing in March following a political shift in the country. Bachelet has also faced criticism from some US conservatives over her views on abortion and her record as UN human rights chief. These political objections could affect her campaign as the selection process moves forward. Macky Sall Macky Sall, 64, served as president of Senegal for 12 years before leaving office in 2024. A geologist by training, Sall has focused much of his international agenda on the challenges faced by developing countries. He has called for reforms to the UN Security Council. He supports greater representation for developing nations, including permanent seats on the powerful body. Sall was nominated by Burundi. If elected, he would become only the third African to serve as UN secretary-general, following Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Kofi Annan. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Maria Fernanda Espinosa, 61, is an experienced Ecuadorian diplomat and former government minister. She previously served as Ecuador’s foreign affairs and defence minister under former President Rafael Correa. Espinosa has also held important positions within the UN. She served as Ecuador’s ambassador to the organisation and later became president of the UN General Assembly. Her international work has included issues involving climate change, biodiversity and Indigenous peoples. She has called for a more decisive and effective UN. Her campaign emphasises stronger priorities, better implementation and greater political confidence within the organisation. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett is Guyana’s permanent representative to the UN, a position she has held since 2020. A career diplomat and former politician, she previously made history as the first woman and the highest-ranking Indigenous person to serve as Guyana’s foreign minister. She has also worked in senior positions at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Rodrigues Birkett is seeking to make the UN more effective, particularly in conflict prevention and climate action. If elected, she would become the first woman and the first Caribbean national to lead the United Nations. Olara Otunnu Olara Otunnu, 75, is the oldest candidate currently seeking the position. The Ugandan diplomat previously served as a UN under-secretary-general. He was nominated by Uganda for the secretary-general post. Otunnu has made institutional reform a central part of his campaign. He has also said that ending major international conflicts would be an immediate priority if he were elected. His programme includes proposals for greater UN oversight of artificial intelligence. He has also called for stronger climate action while ensuring that environmental policies do not undermine economic development. The candidates bring different priorities and regional perspectives to the race. The selection will be closely watched because the secretary-general plays a central role in international diplomacy, conflict resolution, humanitarian efforts and coordination among UN member states. The next UN chief will also inherit a number of major global challenges, including armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic pressures and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.
