A heated international race: Africa and Latin America put forward four candidates for the presidency.

Written by Omnia Hassan

As Antonio Guterres’ term draws to a close, the race for the UN Secretary-General post is heating up at a critical moment when the organization is facing increasing criticism over its effectiveness and influence.

Four candidates from Africa and Latin America have officially entered the race, offering contrasting visions for reforming multilateralism in a world heading towards further geopolitical division.

Candidates with political and diplomatic weight

The list includes former Senegalese President Macky Sall, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Mariano Grossi, and Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Rebecca Greenspan.

This diversity reflects extensive experience spanning high politics, multilateral diplomacy, development issues, and human rights.

An organization searching for its role in a changing world

The next Secretary-General will inherit an institution facing unprecedented challenges, amid increasing unilateral actions by major powers and declining commitment to multilateral frameworks.

Observers emphasize that the ability of the next leader to restore confidence in the rules-based international system will be a crucial factor in determining the organization's future.

Women's representation and geographical balance

This race reopens the issue of women's representation in the highest UN position, as no woman has led the organization since its founding.

The unwritten convention of geographical rotation also gives Latin America a relative advantage, while excluding candidates from the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Competing visions for reforming pluralism

Bachelet is putting forward a human rights-based discourse, backed by prominent regional powers, and Grossi is emphasizing the ability of international institutions to achieve results even in times of division.

Greenspan, on the other hand, presents herself as a reformist candidate who focuses on developmental justice and equality. In contrast, Sall places the issue of developing countries’ debt and strengthening the global voice of the South at the top of his priorities, despite the varying African support for his candidacy.

A pivotal moment for the future of the United Nations

This race comes after the 2016 elections, which saw a larger number of candidates, reflecting a change in the nature of the competition.

Experts believe that the next Secretary-General will need a proactive vision in crisis management and peacemaking, so that the erosion of the United Nations' role in the international system does not continue.