UN secretary-general race, next UN chief, Antonio Guterres successor, Rafael Grossi, Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan, UN election 2027, UN secretary-general candidates
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1 / 6The race to become the next chief of the United Nations is underway, with several senior diplomats and former world leaders in the running to replace Antonio Guterres, who has led the UN since 2017. The new secretary-general will begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027. Here’s a look at the candidates announced so far: (Image: Reuters)
2 / 6Rafael Grossi: Rafael Grossi, 65, is an Argentine diplomat who currently heads the International Atomic Energy Agency. He is widely seen by diplomats as one of the frontrunners in the race because of his long experience dealing with major global powers. Grossi gained international attention for his work on Iran’s nuclear programme and for leading efforts to place IAEA experts at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Reuters reported that his critics believe he has sometimes gone too far in trying to strike agreements with Iran. A father of eight who speaks several languages, Grossi has campaigned on the idea that international institutions can still work even during periods of global division. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 6Rebeca Grynspan: Rebeca Grynspan, 70, is a former vice president of Costa Rica and currently leads the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. According to Reuters, Grynspan has temporarily stepped away from her UNCTAD duties during the campaign to avoid any conflict of interest. She describes herself as a reform-minded leader who believes strongly in international cooperation, peace and human rights. If elected, she would become the first woman to serve as UN secretary-general. An economist by training, Grynspan has said she wants to build a more agile and collaborative United Nations while protecting its core values. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 6Michelle Bachelet: Michelle Bachelet, 74, served twice as president of Chile and was previously the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. She also led UN Women between 2010 and 2013. Her campaign faced a setback after Chile’s government withdrew its support earlier this year following a political shift in the country. Reuters reported that Bachelet has also faced criticism from some US conservatives over her abortion rights stance and her handling of a 2022 report on China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. Despite the criticism, Bachelet remains in the race with backing from Brazil and Mexico. (Image: Reuters)
5 / 6Macky Sall: Macky Sall, 64, served as president of Senegal for 12 years until 2024. He has highlighted his experience as a head of state as one of his strongest qualifications for the UN’s top job. During his presidency, Sall oversaw major infrastructure projects and frequently pushed for stronger support for developing countries facing debt problems. He has also called for reforms to the UN Security Council, including greater representation for developing nations. Reuters reported that his candidacy has received mixed support within Africa, with Senegal and Nigeria yet to formally back him. If elected, Sall would become the third African UN secretary-general. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 6Maria Fernanda Espinosa: Maria Fernanda Espinosa, 61, is a former foreign affairs and defence minister of Ecuador. She was nominated by Antigua and Barbuda in May. Espinosa has previously served as Ecuador’s ambassador to the United Nations and as president of the UN General Assembly. She has also worked on climate change, biodiversity, Indigenous rights and sustainable development issues. The former diplomat has said the UN should focus more on preventing conflicts before they escalate. At 61, she is currently the youngest candidate in the race to succeed Guterres. (Image: Reuters)
