What's happened
The UN has started the process to select its next secretary-general, with nominations open until mid-2026. Candidates include Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, and Rebeca Grynspan. The process emphasizes regional diversity and gender equality, with the final appointment expected in early 2027.
What's behind the headline?
The upcoming UN secretary-general race highlights ongoing debates over regional rotation and gender representation. While the process aims for transparency, the five veto-wielding Security Council members hold significant influence, potentially shaping the outcome behind closed doors. The emphasis on regional diversity and gender parity signals a shift towards more inclusive leadership, but geopolitical interests will heavily influence the final decision. The selection will impact the UN’s diplomatic stance, especially as tensions with some member states, like Israel, have strained relations with current leadership. The choice of a candidate like Grossi, known for pressing Iran on nuclear transparency, suggests the next secretary-general may prioritize security issues and diplomatic assertiveness. The process’s transparency reforms, including public vision statements, aim to increase legitimacy, but the influence of powerful member states remains a key factor in the outcome.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Rafael Grossi, head of the IAEA, is among the leading candidates, with regional and gender diversity emphasized in the process. Arab News highlights the UN's push for more women candidates, noting that no woman has yet held the position. The New Arab details the nomination process, the role of the Security Council, and the importance of transparency reforms. All sources agree that the selection will be heavily influenced by the five permanent Security Council members, with the process aiming for greater openness but still subject to geopolitical interests.
How we got here
The UN secretary-general selection process was formally launched in November 2025, with member states invited to nominate candidates. Traditionally, the role rotates regionally, but this is not always followed. The process involves a Security Council recommendation and a General Assembly vote. Current frontrunners include Grossi, Bachelet, and Grynspan, with a focus on transparency and diversity.
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Common question
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Who Will Lead the UN Next? Key Questions About the Secretary-General Selection
The United Nations is in the midst of selecting its next secretary-general, a process that involves multiple candidates, regional considerations, and global political interests. With nominations open until mid-2026 and the final decision expected in early 2027, many are wondering how the process works, who the frontrunners are, and what factors influence the choice. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about this important appointment and what it means for the future of the UN.
More on these topics
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Rafael Mariano Grossi is an Argentine diplomat. Since 3 December 2019, he serves as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency.