[REVISION HISTORY]

UN SG race: Deadlock continues amid new nominations

Updated 43 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-24 08:25 UTC → 2026-10-26 04:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The United Nations selection process to replace António Guterres has entered a decisive phase, with the new Secretary-General expected to assume office on January 1, 2027. While momentum has previously fluctuated among leaders like Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, the race faces significant procedural hurdles. ~~During the United Nations General Assembly, several world leaders have called for~~ Following the ~~election~~ withdrawal of Michelle Bachelet and Macky Sall, the ~~organization’s first female Secretary-General. In~~ field has narrowed to seven candidates. The United Arab Emirates has officially nominated Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, a ~~related effort~~ former UAE permanent representative to ~~advance gender equality, UN Women released ten proposals aimed at protecting women~~ the UN. Her candidacy has garnered support from the Maldives and ~~increasing their “political protagonism.”~~ several Gulf nations, including Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. However, her bid has faced scrutiny regarding the UAE’s role in the Sudan civil war, which the UAE denies. Recent voting rounds ~~have highlighted~~ highlight a persistent deadlock within the Security Council. In a ~~fourth round of~~ sixth informal ~~consultations,~~ vote held under the Greek presidency, Rebeca Grynspan ~~led~~ maintained a lead with nine ~~votes, followed by Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett with eight, while~~ votes in favor and five against. Rafael Grossi and ~~Olara Otunnu~~ Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett each received ~~five. To be successfully recommended, a candidate must secure at least nine favorable~~ eight votes in favor and ~~avoid a veto~~ six against, with both facing two negative votes from ~~any of the five~~ permanent members. ~~While no permanent member has publicly opposed Grynspan, reports suggest the~~ United States ~~may oppose Rodrigues-Birkett.~~ Permanent Representative Mike Waltz has called for the UN to refocus on peace and security, suggesting the organization needs to undergo a “diet” to increase efficiency and reduce bureaucracy. Waltz declined to confirm support for any of the seven current candidates, stating the U.S. seeks “simply the best candidate.” As the process continues, the incoming leader will inherit a complex landscape marked by a decline in multilateralism and a precarious financial ~~situation caused by unpaid dues from the United States.~~ situation. Following the principle of regional rotation, the next leader is expected to be from Latin America or the Caribbean. The field remains competitive. Following the withdrawal of Macky Sall, the United Arab Emirates has officially submitted the candidacy of Lana Zaki Nouseibeh. Nouseibeh, a former UAE permanent representative to the UN, is scheduled to present her vision during an interactive dialogue at the UN General Assembly on October 27.

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