From 1 January 2027, there will be a new person in charge on the 38^th floor of UN Headquarters: after 10 years, having completed the maximum two mandates, António Guterres is stepping down.

His successor will not only have to navigate profound political and financial challenges but will also be tasked with advancing essential reforms to ensure the United Nations is fit for the future – at a time when the UN and international law are under direct attack.

The two men and four women vying for the position take part in meetings of the General Assembly during which they outline their vision for the United Nations and answer questions from Member States and civil society representatives about their leadership experience and qualifications, UN reform and the three pillars of the organisation – peace and security, development and human rights.

They are María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Ecuador; Michelle Bachelet, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Chile; Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett who serves as Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN; Rafael Grossi, current head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Rebeca Grynspan, current head of the UN trade and development agency (UNCTAD); and Macky Sall, former President of Senegal.

Uganda's Olara Otunnu joined the race at the end of July but has not yet taken part in any dialogues. 

The dialogues are being convened by the President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, who told journalists shortly before the first session that they mark a critical step in the selection process, at a pivotal moment for the United Nations.

“The selection of the Secretary-General has widespread consequences that resonate far beyond this building,” declared Ms. Baerbock. “Our choice will shape the direction of the world’s unique multilateral organization and demonstrate whether the United Nations truly represents the more than eight billion people we serve around the world, half of whom are women and girls.”

She described the selection of the next Secretary-General as not simply an administrative decision, but also a statement of intent. “It will send a powerful message about what the United Nations stands for and how it intends to address the challenges of today’s interconnected world.”

“In a nutshell, this is one of the toughest jobs in the world,” declared Ms. Baerbock, “but it is also one of the most important, as the next Secretary-General will not only shape the future of this institution but, in her or his role as the strongest defender of the UN Charter, also that of the international rules-based order.”

Candidate's vision statement

Candidate's vision statement

Candidate's vision statement

Candidate's vision statement

Candidate's vision statement

Candidate's vision statement