UN Secretary-General Candidates Audition
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — This week, four candidates will showcase their qualifications to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, a stark contrast to the 13 candidates who vied for the position a decade ago when António Guterres was chosen.
Candidate Lineup
The first to present will be Chile’s former President Michelle Bachelet, one of two women and three representatives from Latin America, during a three-hour Q&A session on Tuesday. Following her will be Argentina’s U.N. nuclear chief, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
On Wednesday, U.N. trade chief Rebeca Grynspan will address the General Assembly, and Senegal’s former President Macky Sall will conclude the lineup. The current political climate is vastly different from 2016, marked by increased global conflict.
The Changing Political Landscape
Today’s geopolitical environment is much more polarized compared to the relative calm of 2016, the year Donald Trump was elected president. Additionally, the United Nations has seen a decline in its authority, notably failing to act on ongoing conflicts in places like Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.
The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
Richard Gowan from the International Crisis Group noted that the current global tensions have influenced the selection process for Guterres’s successor, whose second five-year term ends on December 31. Unlike a decade ago, candidates and their sponsors are more cautious, concerned about potential diplomatic fallout from upsetting major powers like the U.S. or China.
Past Selection Process
In 2016, choosing the first female secretary-general was a significant objective. Seven of the 13 candidates were women, but Guterres ultimately stood out in the U.N.’s “interactive dialogue.” The U.N. Charter outlines that the General Assembly selects the secretary-general based on the Security Council’s recommendation, granting veto power to its five permanent members.
Candidates’ Nominations
The four candidates will discuss their visions, key global issues, and the U.N.’s future in their sessions. Bachelet, 74, who has held positions as Chile’s president and U.N. high commissioner for human rights, remains in the run despite opposition from the current Chilean government, thanks to nominations from Brazil and Mexico.
Concerns Over Female Candidates
As pressure for a female secretary-general continues, even with only two women in the running, Bachelet faces challenges from U.S. opposition, with Republican lawmakers urging a veto against her nomination. Gowan mentioned that the perception of a female candidate winning has shifted with Trump’s potential return to the White House, casting doubt on a woman securing the role this time.
