The United Nations General Assembly has concluded its two-day interactive dialogues with candidates vying to become the next UN secretary-general, marking a key stage in the selection process for the world body’s top diplomatic post.
The discussions brought together four officially nominated candidates: Michelle Bachelet, nominated by Brazil and Mexico; Rafael Grossi, nominated by Argentina; Macky Sall, nominated by Burundi; and Rebeca Grynspan, nominated by Costa Rica.
During the three-hour sessions, the candidates presented their vision statements and responded to questions from UN member states and civil society representatives. The discussions focused on leadership experience, institutional reform, and the three core pillars of the UN system: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Ahead of the dialogues, UNGA President Annalena Baerbock said the selection of the next secretary-general carries global implications that extend far beyond the United Nations itself.
She stressed that the decision will shape the direction of the international system and determine how effectively the UN represents the world’s more than eight billion people, particularly women and girls.
Baerbock further noted that the incoming secretary-general will face the dual challenge of addressing current global crises while advancing long-term reforms to ensure the UN remains capable of responding to 21st-century challenges.
The current UN chief, António Guterres, has been in office since January 2017. The next secretary-general is expected to assume office on January 1, 2027.