UN Secretary‑General candidates debate in New York opens selection process
Six contenders for the United Nations secretary‑general – former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, IAEA Director Rafael Grossi (Argentina), former Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa, Costa Rica’s economist Rebeca Grynspan, Guyanese diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues‑Birkett and former Senegalese president Macky Sall – took part in a televised public debate on 23 July 2026 in the General Assembly Hall. The event, organised by Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and streamed by Bloomberg and UN Web TV, marks the first open forum for UN chief‑ship candidates in a decade and kicks off the selection process ahead of the Security Council’s first straw poll on 30 July.
Baerbock said the debate “will give a unique opportunity to hear the ideas, priorities and leadership vision of the candidates”. Candidates stressed the need for reforms, integrity and a stronger defence of the UN Charter’s three pillars – peace and security, human rights and development. The agency is under a financial and confidence crisis, with the U.S. under the Trump administration demanding a refocus on peace and security while other members emphasise the other pillars. Analyst Richard Gowan noted the race “lacks the energy of 2016”.
The outcome will shape the UN’s direction for the next five‑year term beginning 1 January 2027.