United Nations (EFE).- The President of the United Nations General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, announced on Tuesday the launch of the formal process to select and appoint the next Secretary-General in late 2026.
“The world is looking to the next Secretary-General to provide strong, dedicated and effective leadership in delivering on the three pillars of the UN, peace and security, human rights and development, and in making the UN fit for the future,” said Baerbock at a press conference.
The German politician reported that she and the rotating President of the Security Council, Michael Imran Janu of Sierra Leone, signed the letter that formally initiates the process to select and appoint the next secretary-general, who will replace António Guterres of Portugal when his term ends on Dec. 31, 2026.
“Our choice will send a powerful message about who we are, and whether we truly serve all the peoples of the world,” Baerbock said.
She added that the joint letter asks member states to seriously consider nominating women as candidates for secretary-general and the importance of regional diversity, transparency in campaigns, disclosure of information, and provisions on the withdrawal of candidates.
The race for secretary-general will heat up next year (2026) when a multi-phase process begins, during which member states can present their candidates.
“I am convinced that the decision about the future leadership of this Organization is also about credibility, to practice what we preach on transparency and inclusivity,” Baerbock said, adding that she will ensure that the process reflects the principles of the UN Charter, its commitments, and values.
The next UN Secretary-General will take office on Jan. 1, 2027. Among the leading candidates are Rafael Grossi, the current Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile.
Others on the shortlist include Rebeca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica; María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador; Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC; and Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
In September, a group of female diplomats and politicians from the GWL Voices organization petitioned the UN to address the “dark hand” that, they claim, has prevented the organization from appointing a female secretary-general in its 80-year history. EFE
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