United Nations kicks off public debate for next Secretary‑General

Six candidates for the United Nations Secretary‑General – former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi, former Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa, Costa‑Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan, Guyanese diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues‑Birkett and former Senegalese president Macky Sall – took part in a 90‑minute televised debate on 23 July 2026 in the General Assembly Hall. The event, organized by Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and streamed by Bloomberg and UN Web TV, opened the selection process that will culminate in a Security Council straw poll on 30 July.

Candidates highlighted the need for reforms, greater efficiency and a stronger role for the Secretary‑General in peace‑keeping, human‑rights and development as the UN faces a financial and confidence crisis. No clear front‑runner emerged, and the five permanent Security Council members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) retain veto power over the eventual choice. The successful candidate must secure at least nine votes without a veto before being appointed by the General Assembly for a term beginning 1 January 2027.

The race also underscores regional dynamics: four women are in the field, reviving calls for gender balance, while Macky Sall’s candidacy marks Africa’s attempt to regain representation after a two‑decade hiatus.