Six candidates prepare for first televised debate in UN leadership race

The six candidates competing to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations are set to take part in a televised debate ahead of the official selection process, offering diplomats, UN staff, and the public a chance to hear their plans for leading the organisation through one of the most challenging periods in its history.

The debate will be held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York and comes just one week before the Security Council begins formally considering candidates to succeed Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose term ends later this year. The 90 minute event will feature questions from diplomats, United Nations employees, and representatives of civil society, and will be broadcast live.

The six candidates are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, Costa Rican economist Rebeca Grynspan, Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. Each is seeking to lead the global organisation at a time when it faces financial pressures, political divisions, and increasing criticism from member states.

General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the debate provides a valuable opportunity for the candidates to present their leadership vision and priorities before the selection process begins. She stressed that the next Secretary General must not only improve the efficiency of the United Nations but also defend the principles of the UN Charter, including peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

The organisation is currently facing one of its most difficult periods in recent years. The administration of US President Donald Trump has criticised the United Nations for what it describes as excessive spending, expanding beyond its core responsibilities, and failing to produce effective results. Washington has called for the organisation to focus more closely on maintaining international peace and security, while many other member states argue that protecting human rights and promoting development remain equally important responsibilities.

Over recent weeks, each candidate has already answered several hours of questions from representatives of the UN’s 193 member states. During those discussions, most pledged to continue reform efforts aimed at making the organisation more efficient, transparent, and responsive to global challenges. Many also emphasised the need for a more active diplomatic role for the Secretary General in preventing conflicts and supporting peace negotiations.

The formal selection process begins on July 30 when the 15 members of the UN Security Council hold their first confidential straw poll. During these informal votes, council members anonymously indicate their preferred candidates. Several rounds of voting may take place until one candidate secures the required support of at least nine council members without being vetoed by any of the five permanent members, namely the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France.

Once the Security Council agrees on a candidate, the recommendation will be sent to the General Assembly for final approval. The successful candidate will officially begin serving as Secretary General on January 1, 2027.

Diplomats say the race remains highly competitive with no clear favourite. Rafael Grossi is widely viewed as one of the strongest contenders because of his international profile and experience leading the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, several diplomats believe Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett also enjoy significant support among member states.

Speculation continues over whether another candidate could still emerge before the final decision is made. Reports have also mentioned the name of FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a possible outsider, although he is not among the officially declared candidates.

This year’s contest has also renewed calls for the United Nations to appoint its first female Secretary General. Many member states argue that after eight decades of male leadership, the organisation should choose a woman for its highest office. Latin American countries are also pressing their case under the informal tradition of rotating the position among different world regions, making the current race one of the most closely watched leadership contests in recent UN history.