Article shared by Tom McDermott
Summary
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is stepping down at the end of 2026. His departure comes in the context of a deeply divided and under-resourced United Nations. Despite the U.N.'s mounting crises—from geopolitical paralysis in the Security Council to widespread aid cuts—several high-profile global figures are already positioning themselves for candidacy. The author outlines major candidates, regional expectations, and political gamesmanship (including potential influence from the U.S., Russia, and China) as factors shaping the race.
Two enormous tasks await the next Secretary-General: managing a severely underfunded multilateral system and restoring the U.N.'s role in conflict resolution. The selection process could prompt a global reckoning over the future direction of the U.N. and whether it can survive its current institutional and political dysfunction.
Quotes
“The race to replace Guterres could be a useful opportunity for a global debate over how to get the U.N. back on track.”
“Up until last year, most U.N. insiders were fairly convinced that a female candidate would win the race.”
“The U.S. could team up with Russia and China to promote more conservative candidates for secretary-general who could use the post to rein in the U.N. system’s progressive priorities.”
“It is not clear why anyone in their right mind would want to be secretary-general of the United Nations.” Richard Gowan, the UN director for the International Crisis Group, points to the struggle already underway to appoint the next SG when Antónnio Guterres leaves at the end of next year. Not mentioned but equally important is the struggle ahead over the appointment of key agency chiefs, including heads of UNICEF (2026), UNHCR (2025), WFP (2028), and UN Human Rights (2026). Tom
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Summary
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is stepping down at the end of 2026. His departure comes in the context of a deeply divided and under-resourced United Nations. Despite the U.N.'s mounting crises—from geopolitical paralysis in the Security Council to widespread aid cuts—several high-profile global figures are already positioning themselves for candidacy. The author outlines major candidates, regional expectations, and political gamesmanship (including potential influence from the U.S., Russia, and China) as factors shaping the race.
Two enormous tasks await the next Secretary-General: managing a severely underfunded multilateral system and restoring the U.N.'s role in conflict resolution. The selection process could prompt a global reckoning over the future direction of the U.N. and whether it can survive its current institutional and political dysfunction.
Quotes
“The race to replace Guterres could be a useful opportunity for a global debate over how to get the U.N. back on track.”
“Up until last year, most U.N. insiders were fairly convinced that a female candidate would win the race.”
“The U.S. could team up with Russia and China to promote more conservative candidates for secretary-general who could use the post to rein in the U.N. system’s progressive priorities.”
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