The contest to lead the United Nations is gathering momentum, with seven candidates officially in the running to become the organisation's next secretary-general. The successful candidate will take office on January 1, 2027, succeeding António Guterres after the completion of his second five-year term.
While the final decision will rest with the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, the race has already drawn experienced diplomats, former presidents and senior UN officials, each offering a distinct vision for the future of the global body.
Diplomats, former presidents & UN veterans
Rafael Grossi (Argentina)The 65-year-old director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is widely viewed as an early frontrunner. During his six years at the helm of the UN nuclear watchdog, Grossi has played a central role in negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme and worked to maintain dialogue between major global powers. One of his most notable achievements was securing a permanent IAEA presence at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Diplomats believe his ability to work with the five permanent members of the Security Council could strengthen his chances.
Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica)
Currently leading the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the 70-year-old economist and former vice president of Costa Rica has positioned herself as a reform-oriented multilateralist. She has stepped back from her UN duties during the campaign to avoid conflicts of interest. If elected, Grynspan would become the first woman to serve as UN secretary-general.
“I am not waiting for special treatment. I want equal treatment,” she told Reuters.
She has pledged to build a more agile United Nations through collaboration while defending its core principles of peace, development and human rights.
Michelle Bachelet (Chile)
A former president of Chile and ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bachelet brings decades of political and international experience. However, her campaign has faced setbacks after Chile withdrew its backing earlier this year following a change in government. She has also drawn criticism from some US conservatives over her human rights record and positions on social issues.
Macky Sall (Senegal)
Senegal's former president is campaigning on reforms aimed at giving developing nations a stronger voice within the UN system. Sall has called for changes to the Security Council to allow greater representation for emerging economies.
“More than ever, a reinvented multilateralism remains the best way to respond to the challenges of a world in full transformation,” he said on X.
If elected, he would become only the third African to lead the United Nations.
María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador)
A former foreign and defence minister of Ecuador, Espinosa has extensive UN experience, having served as Ecuador's ambassador to the organisation and later as president of the UN General Assembly. Her campaign focuses on institutional reform, climate policy and improving the UN's effectiveness.
“I offer a candidacy grounded in a simple conviction: the UN must recover the courage to prioritize, the discipline to deliver, and the political confidence to act with purpose,” she said in her vision statement.
Carolyn Allison Farida Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana)
Currently Guyana's permanent representative to the United Nations, Rodrigues Birkett previously became the country's first woman and highest-ranking Indigenous foreign minister. She has pledged to strengthen conflict prevention efforts, improve the UN's effectiveness and place greater emphasis on climate action. Her election would make history as the first woman and the first Caribbean national to serve as secretary-general.
Olara Otunnu (Uganda)
The oldest candidate in the field at 75, Otunnu is a veteran diplomat and former UN under-secretary-general. His platform prioritises conflict resolution, continued institutional reform, responsible governance of artificial intelligence and climate action that supports economic development.
With several high-profile candidates offering competing visions for the UN's future, the months ahead are expected to see intense diplomatic negotiations before the Security Council recommends a nominee for approval by the General Assembly.
(With Reuters inputs)
