The Latest Two Nominees for UN Boss State Their Visions for the Organization

Two new contenders for the position of United Nations secretary-general, Ivonne A-Baki and Olara Otunnu, delivered their policy visions during public forums this week as the United Nations continues its selection process for the top diplomatic post. Both candidates, representing different nations and bringing distinct backgrounds, addressed member states and civil society representatives in separate sessions held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. These discussions form part of the ongoing evaluation of eight candidates competing for the role, which will culminate in a secret straw poll by the Security Council on August 21. Ivonne A-Baki, a 75-year-old former diplomat and politician from Ecuador, was nominated by Tonga and participated in a public interactive session on August 20. She emphasized her commitment to direct engagement with conflict zones, asserting that she would frequently travel beyond New York to personally contribute to peacebuilding efforts. Her vision included revitalizing trust in the United Nations, particularly among populations affected by global conflicts. During the session, A-Baki recounted her childhood in Beirut during wartime, underscoring her belief that women bring unique perspectives to peace negotiations. When questioned about leadership within the General Assembly, she highlighted the lack of female representation at peace talks, arguing that mothers have a stronger incentive to prevent violence against their children. Olara Otunnu, a 75-year-old Ugandan diplomat and former United Nations official, was nominated by his home country in July and addressed members of the United Nations on August 19. His presentation focused on upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing the importance of consensus-building and institutional reform. Otunnu described the secretary-general's role as one of "soft power," rooted in the authority granted by the organization’s foundational document and the backing of member states. He acknowledged the challenges facing the UN but stressed the need for adherence to established norms and values. Both candidates also engaged in private meetings with the Security Council on August 20, hosted at the Danish mission to the United Nations. These closed-door sessions are part of the formal selection process, allowing the council to assess each candidate’s suitability for the demanding role. While the specifics of these meetings remain confidential, the public dialogues offered insight into their contrasting approaches to governance and diplomacy. Differences in their styles became evident during the Q&A segments of their respective sessions. A-Baki often strayed from the immediate question, weaving in personal stories and broader themes related to gender equality and humanitarian concerns. For example, when asked about leadership in the General Assembly, she shifted focus to the underrepresentation of women in peace negotiations, citing examples from various regions. By contrast, Otunnu’s answers leaned heavily on abstract principles and references to the UN Charter, occasionally leaving room for interpretation regarding how he would implement his ideas in practice. During a discussion on the impact of sanctions on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Otunnu reiterated the importance of development as one of the UN’s core pillars but did not propose concrete strategies to address the issue. A-Baki, however, drew upon her experience in Ecuador, referencing the nation’s debt-for-nature programs as a model for sustainable economic policies that could be expanded globally. She suggested such initiatives might help developing countries meet their developmental targets while protecting environmental resources. As the selection process moves forward, the Security Council will weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate before casting its vote. With the final decision still pending, the two finalists continue to present their credentials to a wide array of stakeholders, ensuring that the United Nations maintains its relevance and effectiveness in addressing global challenges.