UN holds candidate debate to select Guterres successor amid financial crisis

The race to choose the next United Nations secretary-general entered a decisive phase as six candidates debated in the General Assembly Hall, against a backdrop of severe financial crisis, declining confidence in the organization, and mounting pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump. The Security Council is preparing for its first straw poll to select Antonio Guterres’s successor.

The debate featured six contenders: Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Senegal’s Macky Sall. Over 90 minutes, the candidates answered questions from diplomats, UN staff, and civil society representatives, with no clear frontrunner emerging so far.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said, “This discussion offers a rare opportunity to learn about the candidates’ ideas, priorities, and vision for one of the world’s most important positions.” She stressed that “the United Nations needs outstanding leadership able to adapt the organization to 21st-century challenges and to vigorously defend its Charter and three pillars: peace and security, human rights, and development.”

The United Nations faces criticism from President Trump’s administration over spending and fragmented roles, with Washington urging the organization to focus on peace and security, while other countries emphasize the importance of all pillars. The Security Council’s permanent members, including the United States, hold veto power in the selection process, forcing candidates to balance US demands with those of other states.

Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group noted that this year’s race lacks the momentum of 2016, as candidates seek to avoid angering major powers. The contenders have previously undergone intense questioning by member state representatives, emphasizing the need for reform and the secretary-general’s role in promoting peace.

The Security Council is scheduled to hold its first secret straw poll on July 30 to gauge support for the candidates. Further rounds will follow until one receives at least nine votes without objection from any permanent member, after which the nominee’s name will be sent to the General Assembly for formal appointment, with the new secretary-general taking office in January 2027.

Many diplomats have yet to decide whom to support. Gowan considers Rafael Grossi a leading contender, but the race remains open, with Grynspan and Rodrigues-Birkett also in the running. Surprises are possible, with other names such as Gianni Infantino reportedly favored by Trump.

Latin American countries are pressing for one of their nationals to take the post this term, while several states are calling for a woman to be appointed for the first time, in line with the tradition of informal geographic rotation.