After a decade in office, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will end his second term on December 31, 2026. The United Nations is set to select his successor, a process that involves the Security Council's recommendation followed by a vote in the General Assembly. The Security Council's permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—play a critical role in narrowing the field.

The Secretary-General role is described by the UN as "equal parts diplomat and advocate, civil servant and CEO," overseeing key UN organs including the Security Council, which is charged with maintaining peace and security.

Among the candidates is the first female president of Chile, who served from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018, aiming to become the first female UN Secretary-General after previous female contenders lost to Guterres in 2016. She expressed hope earlier this year that the world is now prepared for such leadership.

Another candidate, But Sall, has faced declining popularity since 2021 amid protests related to the imprisonment of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.

Ambassador Rodrigues Burkett outlined his vision for the UN, emphasizing strengthening multilateralism, enhancing the organization's effectiveness and responsiveness, promoting inclusive global governance, and ensuring the UN can address contemporary challenges. He also advocates for streamlining the organization through mergers of UN entities and reductions in bureaucracy.

The biggest challenge facing the next Secretary-General is financial, with the UN's relevance, power, and funding under increasing scrutiny. A debate among the candidates is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the UN's General Assembly Hall in New York.

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