UN Kicks Off Process to Elect Next Secretary-General
Author: Simon Lewis
Publication: Reuters
Date: November 25, 2025
Summary:
The United Nations formally began the process to elect the next secretary-general on Tuesday, with the 15-member Security Council and president of the 193-member General Assembly inviting nominations for candidates to replace Antonio Guterres starting January 1, 2027.
The joint letter emphasized that no woman has ever held the position and encouraged member states to strongly consider nominating women candidates, while noting the importance of regional diversity. Publicly declared candidates include Chile's former President Michelle Bachelet, former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan, and Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi. The Security Council will formally recommend a candidate to the General Assembly for election later in 2026. The five permanent veto-wielding council members—the United States, Russia, Britain, China and France—must ultimately agree on a candidate.
Quotes:
"Noting with regret that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General, and convinced of the need to guarantee equal opportunities for women and men in gaining access to senior decision-making positions, member states are encouraged to strongly consider nominating women as candidates. We note the importance of regional diversity in the selection of Secretaries-General." — Joint letter from Security Council and General Assembly President
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