UN Secretary-General Candidates Participate in First Public Debate

Kathmandu. Six candidates are participating for the first time in a public television debate a week before the formal start of the United Nations' upcoming Secretary-General selection process. This debate, presenting the candidates' perspectives on the future leadership of the United Nations, which is facing a global financial and trust crisis, is considered important.

In the 90-minute debate to be held in the General Assembly hall, candidates will answer questions from diplomats, United Nations staff, and civil society representatives. The program will be broadcast live via Bloomberg.

In the race to become the successor to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Chile's Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador's Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina's Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana's Caroline Rodrigues–Birchatt, and Senegal's Macky Sall are competing.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock stated that this debate offers a rare opportunity to understand the policies, priorities, and leadership vision of the aspirants for one of the world's most important leadership positions. She emphasized the need for a leader who can effectively lead the United Nations in an era of increasing polarization, adapt the organization to the 21st century, and is committed to the UN Charter and its core pillars of peace and security, human rights, and development.

Currently, the United Nations is grappling with financial shortages and credibility challenges. The administration of US President Donald Trump has been accusing the organization of excessive spending, overreach, and failing to deliver expected results.

The United States has consistently advocated for the UN to focus on its core role of peace and security, while other member states have stressed the importance of giving equal priority to human rights and development.

According to Richard Gowan, an analyst at the International Crisis Group, the 2016 Secretary-General selection process was relatively more competitive and exciting. He analyzes that this time, the competition has been relatively more restrained as candidates appear to be adopting a strategy of not displeasing the permanent member states.

The candidates have already held detailed discussions with representatives of 193 member states. They have expressed the view that reforms aimed at making the UN more effective must be continued, and that the Secretary-General's active role in global peace efforts is essential.

On July 30, the 15 members of the Security Council will conduct the first secret 'straw poll' of the candidates. Subsequently, such polls will be repeated until the necessary support is obtained. A candidate's name will be sent for formal approval to the General Assembly after receiving at least nine votes and no veto from any of the five permanent members.

The newly selected Secretary-General will assume office on January 1, 2027. According to diplomats, no one has a clear lead at this point. Although Rafael Grossi is seen as a potential frontrunner, Rebeca Grynspan and Caroline Rodrigues–Birchatt are also receiving significant support.

Analysts have not ruled out the possibility of a new influential candidate emerging at the last moment. According to the tradition of geographical rotation, the Latin American region is staking a claim for the Secretary-General post this time. Additionally, many member states are also raising their voices for the UN to have a female Secretary-General for the first time in its history.