How the UN Selects its Secretary-General and Potential Candidates

The Selection Process for UN Secretary-General

• 🗓️ The United Nations will select a new Secretary-General this year for a five-year term beginning in 2027, replacing current chief Antonio Guterres.
• 📢 The process begins with nominations from UN member states, with a deadline of April 1st.
• 💬 Nominees will participate in public "interactive dialogues" to present their vision and answer questions.

Key Candidates and Contenders

• 🇦🇷 Raphael Graci, a veteran Argentine diplomat and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is the only candidate formally nominated so far.
• 🇨🇱 Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is a declared candidate awaiting formal nomination.
• 🇨🇷 Rebecca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica and current Secretary General of UNCTAD, is also a declared candidate awaiting formal nomination.

The Role of the Security Council and General Assembly

• 🔒 After nominations, the UN's 15-member Security Council takes over, using secret "straw polls" to reach a consensus.
• 🌍 The five permanent, veto-wielding members of the Security Council must ultimately agree on a candidate.
• ✅ The Security Council's choice is then typically approved by the 193-member General Assembly, which is usually a formality.

Historical Context and Gender Representation

• ⏳ In the UN's 80-year history, no woman has ever served as Secretary-General.
• ⚖️ A resolution in September encouraged member states to strongly consider nominating women, though some candidates prefer to avoid special treatment and focus on non-discrimination.
• 💼 The UN Secretary-General is described as the chief administrative officer, overseeing thousands of staff and peacekeeping operations, with a significant annual budget for core operations and peacekeeping.