The leading candidates to succeed Guterres: Who will lead the United Nations in the next phase?
Six figures from Latin America and Africa are vying for leadership of the United Nations.
Written by: Mohammed Omran
As the term of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres draws to a close, attention is turning to the race to choose his successor, with six candidates from different continents vying for the position. A public debate is scheduled between them before the voting rounds begin within the UN Security Council, which will pave the way for the selection of the new Secretary-General of the international organization.
The leading candidates to succeed Guterres: Who will lead the United Nations in the next phase?
The position of Secretary-General of the United Nations is one of the most prominent international positions, as its holder leads the organization and oversees its efforts in maintaining international peace and security, promoting development and human rights, in addition to managing international crises and mediating conflicts.
Rafael Grossi: Experience in nuclear diplomacy
Argentine Rafael Grossi is running for the position based on his extensive experience in nuclear matters, as he serves as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency and has previously worked on issues of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, making him one of the most prominent names being considered to lead the United Nations.
Macky Sall: Political and African Experience
Former Senegalese President Macky Sall represents the African continent in the race, having led Senegal from 2012 to 2024, benefiting from his experience in state management and working within African and international institutions, which enhances his chances of competing.
Rebecca Greenspan: Economic and Development Expertise
Costa Rican Rebecca Greenspan enters the competition with extensive experience in the fields of economics and development, as she currently serves as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and previously held the position of Vice President of Costa Rica.
Maria Fernanda Espinosa: A vast international experience
Ecuadorian diplomat Maria Fernanda Espinosa is among the leading candidates, having chaired the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, in addition to previously serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defense in Ecuador, which gave her diverse political and diplomatic experience.
Michelle Bachelet: A Record in Human Rights
Also competing is former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who served two terms as president of her country and held the position of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights between 2018 and 2022, which gave her extensive experience in human rights and international issues.
Caroline Rodriguez Birkett: Diplomatic experience at the United Nations
The list concludes with Caroline Rodriguez Birkett, the Guyanese candidate, who serves as her country’s permanent representative to the United Nations, has previously held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and has extensive experience in government and diplomatic work.
The international community is watching closely to see what the Security Council’s rounds of voting will bring, amid a competition that reflects geographical diversity and broad political and diplomatic experience, to choose the person who will lead the United Nations in the coming years at a time when the world is facing increasing challenges at the political, security and economic levels.
