Candidates for the position of UN Secretary-General present their visions
This week saw intense diplomatic activity as candidates for the post of UN Secretary-General presented their positions and visions for strengthening the international organization's peacebuilding efforts. The candidates avoided taking decisive or strong stances on current crises, fearing they might anger the major powers that ultimately determine their fate. Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebecca Greenspan of Costa Rica, and Macky Sall of Senegal are all vying to succeed António Guterres on January 1, 2027, when his second term ends.
A historical development in the mechanism for selecting the Secretary-General of the United Nations
Historically, the selection of the UN Secretary-General has been a closed-door process, decided by consensus among the five permanent members of the Security Council: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France. However, 2016 marked a significant shift toward transparency with the launch of interactive dialogues. Despite this development, the 193-member General Assembly can only elect the Secretary-General upon the direct recommendation of the Security Council, thus retaining the veto power as a crucial tool in the process. Each candidate spent three hours this week answering a variety of questions from representatives of member states and civil society, attempting to demonstrate their suitability to lead the organization.
The impact of the new leadership on the regional and international stage
The selection of the organization's new leader is of paramount importance, coming at a time when the world is witnessing armed conflicts on a scale unseen since World War II. The success of any candidate in securing this position will directly impact how the international community addresses regional and international crises, from the war in Ukraine to the conflicts in the Middle East. Effective leadership is crucial for directing humanitarian aid and bolstering sustainable development efforts, making this selection pivotal for the future of global stability.
Doubts about the effectiveness of interactive sessions
Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group believes diplomats are skeptical of the usefulness of these sessions. He explained that the prevailing belief is that the veto-wielding states will secretly choose the winner, thus diminishing the role of the General Assembly. Gowan described most of what the candidates said as formulaic, while noting that they conveyed some important messages. He added that Grossi emphasized the fragility of the UN today and appeared more determined than Guterres regarding the need for radical reform.
The need for a field presence and restoring trust
All the candidates stressed the urgent need to restore confidence in the United Nations, which is suffering from a severe financial crisis. Michelle Bachelet, the former High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the organization's next leader must be present on the ground wherever needed, a position also adopted by Grossi. Macky Sall, for his part, proposed a new role for the organization to regain its standing. Meanwhile, Greenspan criticized the organization's reluctance to confront dangers, saying: "The UN only fails when we don't try; we must try." When asked about Gaza, she called for the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, reiterating her support for a long-term two-state solution, with both states living side by side in peace and security.
The interconnectedness of peace, development and human rights
The candidates acknowledged the close link between the three pillars of the United Nations: peace, human rights, and development. While they avoided direct answers regarding specific conflicts and merely reiterated the UN Charter, their past positions will likely influence the final decision. Grossi is known for his involvement in sensitive issues such as the Iranian nuclear program, while the five permanent members of the Security Council remain silent on their stances. Observers anticipate the emergence of other potential candidates in the coming stages before the official announcement of nominations.
