The race to appoint the 10th secretary-general of the United Nations has entered its final stage amid significant global challenges, including the ongoing war in Iran and urgent climate concerns.

The UN, described as financially strained, structurally flawed, and plagued by internal conflicts, faces a pivotal moment. Richard Gowan, global issues and institutions director at the International Crisis Group (ICG), remarked, “I really think there should be some sort of psychiatric test for wanting this position. The stakes are exceptionally high, and there is a strong sense around the UN that the next secretary general may make or break the organisation.”

Although the UN's 193 member states formally select the secretary-general, the decisive influence lies with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5), notably major donors Beijing and Washington. The selection process, which began late last month, involves secret ballots and is expected to conclude with a consensus by the P5, leading to a five-year term appointment by the end of the year.

In addition to leadership challenges, the UN chief has highlighted the urgent need to address climate change, describing it as a “climate time bomb ticking” that requires immediate action to cut carbon emissions.

This leadership decision comes at one of the most unpredictable geopolitical periods in recent history, underscoring the critical nature of the UN's role on the world stage.

Sources