German Media: Who Will Succeed António Guterres as UN Secretary-General?

At the beginning of next year, the United Nations will welcome its next Secretary-General, with the nomination phase now concluded. Despite persistent calls for a female leader at the UN, the current frontrunner for the position is not a woman.

António Guterres’s term as UN Secretary-General will end at the end of this year. The deadline for nominations was April 1, during which time all UN member states could submit their candidates. There are currently four candidates on the list—two women and two men.

Guterres has served as UN Secretary-General for ten years. At his January New Year press conference, he reiterated that reform of the UN's most central body—the Security Council—is urgently needed, and emphasized that "the time has come for a woman to lead the United Nations." Throughout UN history, no woman has ever held the top leadership role. Guterres stated, "It is time for women to take on leadership roles—not just in the United Nations, but also in the highest positions around the world."

Bachelet

Among the current UN Secretary-General candidates are two women, one of whom is Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Now 74 years old, Bachelet brings extensive experience working within the UN system. She has served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and led the UN Women agency, dedicated to advancing women's rights.

Bachelet is nominated by Brazil and Mexico, but her home country, Chile, has ceased supporting her candidacy since right-wing populist President José Antonio Kast took office.

It is generally believed that Bachelet has slim chances of being elected UN Secretary-General. A leftist figure, she has not yet received support from the Trump administration. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the United States holds veto power.

Grynspan

The other female candidate is Rebeca Grynspan, an economist from Costa Rica who previously served as Vice President of Costa Rica. Now 70 years old, she currently serves as Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Grynspan focuses on global economic issues, particularly sustainable development, trade, and reducing inequalities between nations. She was nominated by her home country, Costa Rica. Her significant contributions to securing the initial food agreement during the early stages of the Ukraine war have earned her widespread recognition.

Grossi

Among the two male candidates is Rafael Grossi from Argentina, currently Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), aged 65.

Grossi was nominated by his home country, Argentina. He frequently engages in highly sensitive diplomatic affairs; in his role, he must maintain close communication with major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, and often appears in the media, giving him considerable public visibility. Reports indicate that Grossi is currently considered the strongest contender for the next UN Secretary-General.

Sall

The other male candidate is Macky Sall, former president of Senegal. During his presidency, Senegal enjoyed relatively stable politics, though his authoritarian tendencies have drawn criticism. Now 64 years old, he previously served as Chairperson of the African Union and advocated for Africa’s interests on the international stage.

Sall is nominated by Burundi and is the only non-Latin American candidate. By convention, the UN Secretary-General position rotates among regions, and this turn falls to Latin America. It is widely expected that unless Sall secures broad support from African countries, his defeat is inevitable—and the African Union does not support his campaign.

Next Steps

Starting in mid-April, candidates will introduce themselves and present their policy platforms through online interactive sessions, responding to questions from member states.

Beginning in July, the Security Council will conduct multiple rounds of voting until one candidate receives a majority vote and no vetoes. Member states may still nominate new candidates at the last minute before the Security Council vote. After approval by the Security Council, the nominee must be confirmed by the UN General Assembly. The next UN Secretary-General is expected to be officially announced in early autumn this year.

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861369414662208/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.