United Nations selects new Secretary‑General for 2027

The United Nations is conducting the election to replace Secretary‑General António Guterres, whose second term ends on 31 December 2026. An informal, secret straw poll was held by the Security Council on 30 July 2026 to gauge support for candidates. To win, a candidate must secure at least nine favorable votes and avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, France or the United Kingdom – before the Council recommends a name to the General Assembly for a formal vote. The new Secretary‑General will assume office on 1 January 2027.

Among the leading contenders are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency Director‑General Rafael Grossi, former Costa Rican Vice‑President Rebeca Grynspan, former Ecuadorian President María Fernanda Espinosa, former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues‑Birkett and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Analysts note the election could mark a shift toward greater Latin American influence in the UN and discuss how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence may shape the organization’s future role in global governance.