Candidates for the position of UN Secretary-General present their visions
The four candidates vying for the position of UN Secretary-General began presenting their strategic visions and the reasons why they are the ideal choice to lead the international organization during a series of interactive dialogues held at UN Headquarters in New York this week. The list of candidates includes prominent figures with significant international influence: Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebecca Greenspan (Costa Rica), and Macky Sall (Senegal). These dialogues were convened at the invitation of the President of the UN General Assembly, who emphasized to journalists before the first session that these meetings represent a crucial and transparent step in the selection process and come at a pivotal and historic moment for the entire international system.
A new era looms after Guterres' departure
These moves are of exceptional importance given the timing; starting January 1, 2027, a new leader will take the reins on the 38th floor of UN Headquarters. This change comes after ten years in office for the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, completing the legally permitted maximum of two consecutive terms. Guterres' departure opens the door to a major transition, one that requires a leader capable of guiding global diplomacy in a highly complex and sensitive international environment.
The importance of choosing the UN Secretary-General in light of current crises
The position of UN Secretary-General is not merely an administrative role; it is the foremost diplomatic symbol in the world. The current selection process comes at a time when the international community faces unprecedented challenges, ranging from armed regional conflicts and accelerating climate change to devastating economic crises affecting many developing and developed nations alike. Therefore, the success of the next leader will depend primarily on their ability to restore confidence in multilateralism and reform the UN's organizational structures to make them more agile and responsive to modern crises.
The mechanism of interactive dialogues and reform of the international system
During these public sessions of the General Assembly, the four candidates present their detailed visions for the future of international cooperation. These dialogues are not limited to speeches but also include intensive question-and-answer sessions with representatives of Member States and civil society organizations. Discussions focus on the candidates' leadership qualities, their practical plans for reforming the UN's executive bodies, and how they intend to strengthen the three fundamental pillars upon which the organization was founded: maintaining international peace and security, achieving sustainable development, and protecting human rights everywhere.
