United Nations: The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday initiated the election process for its next Secretary-General, with top UN leaders calling on member states to put forward women candidates for the world body’s highest post — a position that has never been held by a woman.
General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and Security Council President Michael Imran Kanu encouraged countries to “strongly consider nominating women” as they circulated a letter marking the formal launch of the selection process. They noted with regret that every secretary-general since the UN’s founding has been male.
The successor to Antonio Guterres — who will complete his second term in 2026 — is scheduled to take office on January 1, 2027, becoming the tenth Secretary-General.
So far, two women with significant UN leadership experience have received official country nominations:
- Rebeca Grynspan — UNCTAD Secretary-General and former Vice President of Costa Rica (nominated by Costa Rica)
- Michelle Bachelet — Former UN Human Rights High Commissioner and President of Chile (nominated by Chile)
Another name put forward is David Choquehuanca, backed by 36 indigenous groups in Bolivia, though clarity is still awaited on formal endorsement from the country’s current leadership — a requirement for candidacy.
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council recommends a candidate to the General Assembly, with the five permanent members holding veto power — making their consensus crucial.
The Charter itself still refers to the secretary-general using the pronoun “he,” reflecting the tradition leaders now hope to overturn.
In 2016, numerous strong women candidates were widely expected to break the barrier, especially from Eastern Europe. However, Guterres ultimately emerged as the only acceptable choice to Russia, China and Western nations.
A General Assembly resolution guiding the current process calls for fair gender and geographic balance, and requires candidates to submit vision statements and disclose campaign funding. The 2016 contest was the first to involve public hearings and open engagement with member states and civil society — a transparency model that will continue.
The advocacy group 1 for 8 Billion, which campaigns for a woman Secretary-General, has listed several prominent figures considered potential contenders, including:
- Amina Mohammed — UN Deputy Secretary-General
- Kristalina Georgieva — IMF Managing Director
- Jacinda Ardern — Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
- Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces — Former UN General Assembly President
- Mia Mottley — Prime Minister of Barbados
Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has publicly expressed interest in the role.
