UN Secretary-General Race Heats Up as Four Candidates Face Scrutiny

Four declared candidates—Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica) and Macky Sall (Senegal)—participated in two days of public Q&A at UN headquarters. Bachelet emphasized dialogue, gender equality and field presence. Grossi warned the organization faces “huge doubts” and called for balanced engagement with major powers. Grynspan said she would be the UN’s moral and impartial voice, ready to take risks even if she fails. Sall called himself a bridge-builder focused on restoring trust, easing tensions and reviving collective action.

4 vying to be the next UN chief try to set themselves apart as race heats up

The post traditionally rotates by region; this cycle is earmarked for Latin America, though the UN charter imposes no formal restriction. The 15-member Security Council, with five permanent vetoes (U.S., Russia, China, U.K., France), screens candidates before the 193-member General Assembly gives final approval. No official deadline is set, but António Guterres’ term ends on 1 January.

The race for the new UN chief heats up with first interviews

The UN claims to represent more than 8 billion people, half of whom are women and girls. It has 193 member states, a 15-member Security Council and five veto-holding powers. The United States contributes less than 5 % of the regular budget and has withheld about $2 billion, creating a liquidity crisis that could hit the organization by summer.

The race for the new UN chief heats up with first interviews

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the vote will test whether the UN truly reflects the world’s 8 billion citizens. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz warned cost-cutting is essential and voiced concern over Bachelet’s abortion stance, hinting at a veto. President Donald Trump reiterated criticism of the UN’s effectiveness and floated a competing “Peace Council.” UN officials Daniel Forti and Minh-Thu Pham called for a risk-taking leader to revive peace work.

4 vying to be the next UN chief try to set themselves apart as race heats up

Republican lawmakers have urged a veto of Bachelet, labeling her a “pro-abortion zealot.” Macky Sall faces corruption accusations, which he denies. Advocacy group GWL Voices and a September UN resolution continue to press for the first female secretary-general.

4 vying to be the next UN chief try to set themselves apart as race heats up

Sources disagree on a front-runner; some cite Grossi, others see no clear leader. The schedule for Security Council straw polls and informal talks remains unspecified, and no candidate has withdrawn.

The race for the new UN chief heats up with first interviews

• “I stand before you to reclaim the urgent need for dialogue,” — Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile

4 vying to be the next UN chief try to set themselves apart as race heats up

• “there are enormous, huge doubts about our institution” — Rafael Grossi, Director-General, IAEA

4 vying to be the next UN chief try to set themselves apart as race heats up

• “We need to take more risks — and I am ready to fail and try again.” — Rebeca Grynspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica

4 vying to be the next UN chief try to set themselves apart as race heats up

• “ANNALENA BAERBOCK: Our choice will demonstrate whether the United Nations truly represents the more than 8 billion people around the world, who are half women and girls.” — Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly

High Plains Public Radio

The Security Council will hold informal consultations and secret straw polls this summer, seeking at least nine affirmative votes without a veto before the General Assembly’s final endorsement. The process must finish before Guterres’ term ends on 1 January.

The race for the new UN chief heats up with first interviews