With António Guterres’s nearly decade-long tenure drawing to a close, the competition to succeed him as Secretary-General of the United Nations has intensified. Speaking to the General Assembly on September 22, 2026, in his final address, Guterres urged member states to prioritize climate action, pursue a two-state solution in Israel-Palestine, and establish regulations for artificial intelligence. He concluded by pledging to continue championing peace and UN Charter values even after he leaves office on January 1.
The incoming leader will assume responsibility during a historically precarious period. Data indicates that last year recorded the highest number of active global conflicts since World War II and the greatest number of fatalities since the Rwandan genocide. Compounding these security challenges are escalating climate impacts, rapid AI development, and a deepening funding crisis within the organization itself.
The selection process, initiated in November, invited nominations from member states with a specific appeal to consider female candidates, noting that no woman has ever held the position. Candidates must submit applications detailing their vision, resumes, and campaign finance disclosures. The General Assembly then conducts televised “interactive dialogues,” while the 15-member Security Council holds anonymous “straw polls” to gauge support, requiring nine votes for a formal recommendation.
Although nine individuals were initially nominated, two have withdrawn, leaving seven contenders. Among them are Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett of Guyana and Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, both advocating for a more agile and effective UN. Ivonne A-Baki of Ecuador, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Antigua and Barbuda, and Argentine diplomat Rafael Mariano Grossi are also in the race, each presenting platforms focused on renewal, credibility, and results-oriented diplomacy. Ugandan former UN official Olara Otunnu and former Senegalese President Macky Sall complete the field, emphasizing the necessity of reform and the restoration of trust in multilateralism.
Experts suggest the race is entering a critical phase with little consensus among Security Council members. Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group noted that while recent straw polls have slightly favored Grynspan and Birkett, there is no overwhelming support. This stagnation has sparked speculation that late entrants such as Amina Mohammed, Alicia Bárcena, or Nickolay Mladenov could join the contest, though they face significant hurdles in winning over the P5 nations—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US.
Regardless of the outcome, analysts warn that the next Secretary-General will inherit a deeply fragmented global landscape. With the P5 holding veto power and tensions rising worldwide, the successor faces an immense test in navigating complex international crises.
AI regulation should be a bigger focus. Climate and conflicts matter, but tech moves faster.
Guterres did his best, but the Security Council fragmentation is the real hurdle for whoever wins.
Seven candidates but P5 dominance makes me skeptical. Will any real reform happen?
It’s wild that in all these decades, no woman has held the position. Hope this changes now.
Finally, a woman at the helm! The UN needs fresh leadership after so many crises.