All eyes are on the United Nations General Assembly hall, where public tests for the four candidates seeking to succeed current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will begin tomorrow, Tuesday. These sessions provide an opportunity for candidates to present their visions and ideas before member states and civil society, at a time when the international organization is grappling with severe financial and political crises.
Each session will last for three hours, during which candidates will face rigorous questioning from the 193 member states. This step, known as the "great oral test," aims to enhance transparency in the selection process of the Secretary-General, marking the second time it has been organized since its inception in 2016.
Event Details
The list of candidates includes four prominent names, including the former president of Chile and former High Commissioner for Human Rights, who enjoys support from Mexico and Brazil. However, she faces challenges related to China's dissatisfaction with her reports on the Uighurs and the loss of support from her country following the arrival of a new right-wing government.
Also in the running is the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who has gained prominence through his management of nuclear issues in Iran and Ukraine. Grossi calls for a return to the "foundational principles" of the organization, a message that resonates with the Trump administration.
Additionally, the list includes the Director of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, who bases her vision on the UN Charter and her experience negotiating the "Black Sea Initiative" for grain exports. Finally, the former president of Senegal focuses on linking peace and development, but faces regional opposition from 20 African countries.
Background & Context
Despite the public nature of the questioning, the final decision rests with the 15 members of the Security Council, particularly the five permanent members. A majority in the council is required while avoiding any veto from these countries.
In this context, U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz warned that the next Secretary-General must align with "American values and interests." Challenges are mounting amid disagreements within the Security Council over the crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, complicating consensus on a single name before the deadline set for late 2026.
Impact & Consequences
International pressure is mounting to elect a woman to the position for the first time in 80 years, during which 9 men have led the organization. Although "gender" is not an official criterion, there is strong encouragement for member states to nominate women.
Latin America is claiming the position under the tradition of "geographical rotation," which explains the presence of three candidates from this region so far. However, there is no official policy mandating this rotation.
Regional Significance
This event holds particular significance for the Arab world, as the choice of the new Secretary-General could influence international policies related to the region. Amid the multiple crises facing Arab countries, the new Secretary-General may play a crucial role in promoting stability and peace.
In conclusion, the international community is keenly awaiting the results of these public tests, which may shape the contours of global leadership in the coming years.