Seven Candidates Vie to Lead UN as Next Secretary-General in 2027
The race to become the next United Nations Secretary-General is intensifying as current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prepares to step down at the end of 2026. The new Secretary-General will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027. So far, seven official candidates have declared their bids, each seeking support from UN member states and, crucially, the five permanent members of the Security Council who hold veto power over the appointment.
Among the leading candidates is Rafael Grossi from Argentina, who has headed the International Atomic Energy Agency for six years. Grossi, 65, is internationally recognized for his involvement in monitoring Iran’s nuclear program and maintaining nuclear oversight during the Ukraine war, including deploying inspection teams to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Critics argue he has been too flexible toward Iran in negotiations.
Another prominent contender is Rebeca Grynspan, a Jewish economist from Costa Rica and former vice president of her country, currently serving as UN Conference on Trade and Development secretary-general. She temporarily stepped down to avoid conflicts of interest and aims to promote a more efficient and flexible UN focused on peace, development, and human rights. Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, a vocal critic of Israel and former UN Human Rights Commissioner, is also running but lost Chile’s government backing and faced criticism over her stance on Uyghur persecution in China.
From Africa, former Senegalese president Macky Sall, a geologist by training, advocates for greater representation of developing countries on the Security Council and stronger international cooperation. If elected, he would be only the third African to lead the UN. Other candidates include Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, former foreign and defense minister and ex-UN General Assembly president; Caroline Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, the first indigenous foreign minister of her country; and Olara Otunnu of Uganda, a former UN undersecretary-general.
The selection process is highly sensitive politically, requiring not only broad member state support but also Security Council approval. Guterres is remembered for his consistently critical stance toward Israel, which has been perceived as biased. Among the candidates, Grossi is viewed by many in Jerusalem as the most balanced and potentially friendly toward Israel, given his firm approach to Iran’s nuclear program. In contrast, Bachelet is seen as less favorable to Israel. The other candidates are generally considered neutral or moderate regarding Israel-related issues.
The final decision will hinge on political dynamics among the major powers and the candidates’ diplomatic skills, with the appointment expected by the end of 2026.
