The UN chief is on his way out. The race to replace him is taking shape
News Source
β’Sat, 26 Sep 2026 07:55:44 +0000
π° What Happened
Antonio Guterres finishes his second five-year term as United Nations secretary-general on 31 December. He has led the UN for a decade. A race is now under way to choose the next chief.
Candidates include Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. No woman has ever held the job, and member states were asked to think about nominating women.
In his last speech to the General Assembly, Guterres urged leaders to control artificial intelligence, act on climate change and end wars.
π The Backstory
The process began when the heads of the General Assembly and the Security Council wrote to member states asking for names. Each country can nominate only one person. Candidates must hand in a vision statement, a CV and details of campaign funding.
All 193 member states take part in public hearings. But the real choice belongs to the 15-member Security Council, which holds informal polls to show support. Its pick is then put to the General Assembly.
π― Why It Matters
The UN chief speaks for the world in a crisis and sets the tone on climate and AI. Who takes the job affects how much the UN can still get done.
Antonio Guterres finishes his second five-year term as United Nations secretary-general on 31 December. He has led the UN for a decade. A race is now under way to choose the next chief.
Candidates include Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Rebeca Grynspan and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. No woman has ever held the job, and member states were asked to think about nominating women.
In his last speech to the General Assembly, Guterres urged leaders to control artificial intelligence, act on climate change and end wars.
The process began when the heads of the General Assembly and the Security Council wrote to member states asking for names. Each country can nominate only one person. Candidates must hand in a vision statement, a CV and details of campaign funding.
All 193 member states take part in public hearings. But the real choice belongs to the 15-member Security Council, which holds informal polls to show support. Its pick is then put to the General Assembly.
The UN chief speaks for the world in a crisis and sets the tone on climate and AI. Who takes the job affects how much the UN can still get done.