Four candidates will face United Nations member states this week in public auditions to become the next secretary-general, a far smaller field than the 13 contenders who competed in 2016 to succeed Ban Ki-moon. The slimmer race reflects a more polarised world, a weakened UN and a selection process in which governments appear far less willing to risk backing candidates who could offend major powers.
The UN General Assembly is hosting two days of “interactive dialogues” on April 21 and 22, giving the four declared contenders a chance to present their visions and answer questions from ambassadors representing the organisation’s 193 member states. According to the official UN schedule, former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet appears first on Tuesday morning, followed by International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina. On Wednesday, UN trade chief Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica will take the stage, followed by former Senegalese president Macky Sall.
By contrast, the 2016 race drew 13 candidates and generated unusually broad enthusiasm, including strong pressure to choose the first woman to lead the world body. This year’s reduced field has been linked to a harsher geopolitical climate and the diminished influence of the UN itself. The Security Council has been paralysed on major crises, including wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Iran, leaving the organisation sidelined in some of the world’s most consequential conflicts. Analysts say that, unlike in 2016, a failed candidacy in 2026 could carry real diplomatic costs if a contender alienates Washington, Beijing or another permanent member of the Security Council.
The contest is also shaped by regional politics and the permanent members’ veto power. By long-standing tradition, the post rotates among regional groups, and many diplomats argue it is Latin America’s turn, which would favour Bachelet, Grossi or Grynspan. But Eastern Europe has never produced a secretary-general and could still claim it has been overlooked. Under the UN Charter, the General Assembly appoints the secretary-general on the recommendation of the Security Council, meaning the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France effectively decide who can advance.
Bachelet remains one of the best-known candidates, though her campaign has suffered setbacks. Chile withdrew its support last month after a change of government, but she remains in the race with backing from Brazil and Mexico. Reuters has also reported signs of U.S. opposition to her candidacy, adding another obstacle in a contest where great-power approval is essential.
The next secretary-general will take office on January 1, 2027, when António Guterres steps down at the end of his second five-year term. For now, the unusually small field says as much about the world’s fractured politics as it does about the candidates themselves.
