Race to lead the UN: Four candidates vie for world's top diplomatic job

Only four contenders will face diplomats this week in the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general , marking a notably smaller field compared with the 13 candidates who competed in 2016 when António Guterres was selected to lead the organisation. Analysts attribute the decline in numbers to a deeply polarised global political environment and increasing caution among governments, which are reluctant to risk diplomatic friction with major powers in an increasingly high-stakes selection process.

The candidates will take part in public “interactive dialogues” with representatives of the United Nations General Assembly on April 21–22 at UN headquarters in New York. Each will face a three-hour question-and-answer session outlining their vision for the organisation, responses to global conflicts and plans for reform.

The first candidate to appear is former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet , followed by International Atomic Energy Agency director general Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina. On Wednesday, diplomats will hear from UN trade chief Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica and former Senegal president Macky Sall .

The race comes at a time when the UN faces growing criticism over its limited ability to resolve major crises. The Security Council has been paralysed over conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran , raising concerns about the organisation’s relevance and effectiveness in maintaining global peace and security.

The selection process is formally decided by the United Nations Security Council, whose five permanent members, the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France, can veto any candidate before recommending one to the General Assembly for approval.

Regional rotation traditionally influences the choice, and many diplomats argue it may be Latin America’s informal turn to lead the UN , though Eastern Europe has never held the post.

Bachelet’s candidacy has already drawn political scrutiny. Chile withdrew its backing after conservative leader José Antonio Kast became president, though she remains in the race with nominations from Brazil and Mexico. Meanwhile, US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said he shared concerns raised by Republican lawmakers about her record, including criticism over a report on China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims and her stance on abortion rights.

Advocacy groups continue pushing for the UN’s first woman leader, noting that the organisation has had nine male secretaries-general in its 80-year history . However, some diplomats say expectations shifted after Donald Trump returned to the White House, creating uncertainty about whether a female candidate will gain the necessary support.

The next secretary-general will assume office on January 1, 2027, when Guterres’ second five-year term ends.