United Nations begins search for new Secretary-General

United Nations Secretary-General election António Guterres UN Security Council diplomatic succession

The United Nations has entered a decisive phase to select a successor to António Guterres, whose term as Secretary-General concludes on December 31. The selection process, which officially opened in November 2025, involves complex negotiations among member states, particularly within the UN Security Council.

Eight candidates are currently in the running: Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Macky Sall (Senegal), María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés (Ecuador), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guiana), Olara Otunnu (Uganda), and Ivonne A-Baki (Ecuador). Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile, has withdrawn her candidacy following a loss of support.

The final decision rests on a recommendation from the Security Council—where the five permanent members hold veto power—followed by approval from the General Assembly. There is significant international interest in whether the next leader will be a woman, marking a potential historic shift for the organization. Regional balance also plays a role, with expectations favoring candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean or Eastern Europe.

Entities

Antonio Guterres · Michelle Bachelet · Rebeca Grynspan · UN Security Council · United Nations

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The succession process for the next Secretary-General officially opened in November 2025. oimparcial.com.br
[○ 1 SOURCE] The five permanent members of the Security Council hold veto power over the selection of the new Secretary-General. oimparcial.com.br
[● 3 SOURCES] António Guterres will conclude his term as UN Secretary-General on December 31. www.watoday.com.au · www.theage.com.au · oimparcial.com.br
[○ 1 SOURCE] Eight candidates are officially competing for the position of Secretary-General. oimparcial.com.br
[○ 1 SOURCE] The new Secretary-General is expected to assume office on January 1, 2027. oimparcial.com.br
[○ 1 SOURCE] Michelle Bachelet withdrew her candidacy for the position. www.observatoriodaimprensa.com.br

Sources

Australia wants a seat at the UN but what would it stand for? [www.newpolitics.com.au]

about 7 hours ago

Australia UN Security Council bid: As Antonio Guterres steps down, an organisation struggles for relevance [www.watoday.com.au]

1 day ago

Depois de Guterrez, uma mulher na ONU? | Observatório da Imprensa [www.observatoriodaimprensa.com.br]

1 day ago

Oito candidatos disputam comando da ONU após saída de António Guterres [oimparcial.com.br]

about 6 hours ago

Australia UN Security Council bid: As Antonio Guterres steps down, an organisation struggles for relevance [www.theage.com.au]

1 day ago