Race to Lead: The Urgent Quest for the Next UN Secretary-General

The quest for the United Nations' next secretary-general has officially begun, with candidates such as Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, and Rebeca Grynspan in the running. The selection process includes secret ballots by the U.N. Security Council, with the General Assembly eventually rubber-stamping the appointment.

The race to become the next United Nations secretary-general is gaining momentum as current U.N. chief Antonio Guterres approaches the end of his term. The process officially commenced on November 25, when a joint call for nominations was issued by Sierra Leone and Annalena Baerbock, leading figures within the U.N. Security Council and General Assembly.

Notably, candidates from regions beyond the traditional geographic rotation are stepping forward. Among them are Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, and Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica. Candidates will participate in interactive dialogues, presenting their visions online before the Security Council conducts secret straw polls to reach a consensus.

The Security Council's decision requires approval from the five veto-wielding members, before the General Assembly rubber-stamps the final recommendation. As the push for a female secretary-general gains traction, the race is also seen as a pivotal moment for gender representation within the U.N. leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)