Starting January 1, 2027, there will be a new person in charge on the 38thth floor of UN Headquarters: after 10 years, having completed the maximum of two terms, António Guterres resigns.
His successor will not only face profound political and financial challenges, but will also be tasked with driving essential reforms to ensure that the United Nations is prepared for the future, at a time when the UN and international law are under direct attack.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the two men and two women vying for the position will participate in meetings of the General Assembly during which they will outline their vision for the United Nations and answer questions from Member States and civil society representatives about their leadership experience and qualifications, UN reform, and the organization’s three pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights.
These are Michelle Bachelet, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Chile; Rafael Grossi, current head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Rebeca Grynspan, current head of the UN trade and development agency (UNCTAD); and Macky Sall, former president of Senegal.
The dialogues are being called by the President of the General AssemblyAnnalena Baerbock, who told reporters Tuesday morning shortly before the first session, marks a critical step in the selection process that she says comes at a crucial time for the United Nations.
‘The hardest job in the world’
“The election of the Secretary-General has widespread consequences that resonate far beyond this building,” said Ms. Baerbock. “Our election will shape the direction of the world’s only multilateral organization and demonstrate whether the United Nations truly represents the more than eight billion people we serve around the world.half of whom are women and girls.”
He described the selection of the next Secretary-General not simply as an administrative decision, but also as a declaration of intent. “It will send a powerful message about what the United Nations stands for. and how it intends to address the challenges of today’s interconnected world.”
“Simply put, this is one of the most difficult jobs in the world,” said Ms. Baerbock, “but it is also one of the most important, as the next Secretary-General will not only shape the future of this institution but, in his role as the strongest defender of UN Charteralso that of the rules-based international order.”
michelle bachelet (from Chile) April 21, 10 am (ET)
Rafael Grossi (Argentina) April 21 3PM (ET)
Rebecca Grynspan (Costa Rica) April 22 10 am (ET)
Macky Sal (Senegal) April 22 at 3:00 p.m. (ET)
