Six candidates to replace Guterres at top of UN debate in New York

Six candidates are set to vie for the role of next United Nations secretary-general, with the final selection process beginning in New York this week. The contenders include Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal. All six are competing to replace outgoing Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31. The selection process will start with a confidential vote by the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council, which will take place on July 30. The candidates gathered in the General Assembly Hall for a public debate, where they addressed concerns over the UN’s declining influence and effectiveness. Each emphasized the need to rebuild the organization’s credibility amid growing skepticism from member states. They highlighted their qualifications and outlined strategies for addressing global crises, including conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and economic development. The event was broadcast live, drawing participation from diplomats, UN staff, and civil society representatives. Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile, spoke passionately about maintaining the UN’s relevance. She pledged to resist undue influence from major donors, stating she would “speak out loud what I think is my moral authority and my duty.” Similarly, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, a former president of the UN General Assembly, advocated for proactive conflict prevention, describing it as an essential operational principle rather than just a slogan. She proposed establishing mechanisms to ensure the UN is always prepared to intervene in potential conflicts. Rafael Grossi, currently the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, called for decisive action in cases of armed conflict. He argued that any state engaging in warfare or using aggression should face immediate attention from the secretary-general. “We need to restore this credibility of the UN as a valid interlocutor,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of utilizing existing tools to achieve tangible outcomes. Rebeca Grynspan, who previously led the UN Conference on Trade and Development, expressed a vision of a revitalized UN that is actively engaged in resolving conflicts. She envisioned a future where the organization is consistently present at the negotiating tables, producing measurable results on the ground. “Five years from now, I would like nobody to ask me again ‘where is the UN?’” she said, reflecting a common theme among the candidates. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, representing Guyana, committed to tackling some of the most challenging situations globally. She mentioned specific regions such as Iran, Haiti, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, indicating her readiness to address complex geopolitical issues. Her remarks underscored the diverse range of experiences and perspectives brought by the candidates. Macky Sall, a former president of Senegal, focused on rebuilding trust within the UN system. He proposed initiatives aimed at making the organization more responsive and inclusive, ensuring it listens, acts, and fosters unity among nations. His approach aligns with broader calls for reform, as many member states demand greater efficiency and transparency from the UN. The selection process will involve multiple rounds of voting by the Security Council, with the goal of identifying a candidate who can secure the necessary support from the permanent members. The council’s first vote, scheduled for July 30, will remain confidential, with subsequent votes following until a consensus is reached. Once a candidate gains the required nine votes, the name will be forwarded to the General Assembly for formal approval. The new secretary-general is expected to assume office on January 1.