2026 WHO WILL BE THE NEXT UN SECRETARY-GENERAL?

We are hosting a webinar on 16 June to share some insights on the process for selecting the next UN Secretary-General, now underway since António Guterres’ term of office as the ninth Secretary-General of the United Nations will conclude on December 31, 2026. A number of impressive condidates have already come forward and declared their interest in taking on “the world’s most impossible job.”

In this webinar you will hear from UN insiders how candidates are nominated, vetted, and ultimately appointed, and learn about the roles of the Security Council and the General Assembly in the selection process. The session will also introduce current candidates, highlighting their backgrounds, experiences, and the global perspectives they bring to this critical position, fostering greater awareness of international governance and leadership selection. REGISTER HERE

Why is this important?

The process of choosing the United Nations Secretary-General might seem distant from everyday life, but it actually has real consequences for people around the world.

First, the Secretary-General acts as a global problem-solver. They help coordinate responses to crises like wars, climate disasters, and humanitarian emergencies. The person chosen—whether it’s someone like António Guterres or a future leader—can influence how quickly and effectively aid reaches people in need.

Second, they shape international priorities. The Secretary-General can bring attention to issues that affect the public directly, such as climate change, poverty, or public health. When they push these topics onto the global agenda, it can lead to policies and cooperation that impact jobs, safety, and the environment in many countries.

Third, the selection process itself reflects global power dynamics. The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have a major say in who gets the job. That means the outcome can reflect political compromises, which in turn affects how independent or bold the Secretary-General can be when addressing issues that matter to ordinary people.

Finally, leadership style matters. Some Secretaries-General are more outspoken and proactive, while others are more cautious. That difference can influence how strongly the UN responds to conflicts or advocates for human rights—issues that ultimately affect millions of lives.

In short, even though most people don’t vote in this process, the choice of Secretary-General shapes global decisions that ripple down to everyday life—through peace efforts, disaster response, and international cooperation.

Our panelists include:
Ambassador Anwarul Chowdhury
Dr. Jean Krasno
Felipe Queipo
Ramu Damodaran

The current candidates for UN Secretary-General are:
MICHELLE BACHELET – Nominated by Brazil, Chile and Mexico
MARIA FERNANDA ESPINOZA – Nominated by Antigua and Barbuda
REBECA GRYSPAN – Nominated by Costa Rica
RAFAEL GROSSI – Nominated by Argentina
MACKY SALL – Nominated by Burundi