Candidates for next UN chief spend hours selling themselves

Key Points:

• Four candidates—Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, and Macky Sall—have undergone intense questioning by U.N. ambassadors as part of the selection process to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres starting January 1.
• All candidates emphasized focusing on the U.N.’s core pillars of peace, development, and human rights, with commitments to reform the institution and engage directly in global conflict zones.
• Bachelet faced criticism from some U.S. lawmakers over her stance on abortion but affirmed her support for women’s rights and gender equality; Macky Sall, the only non-Latin American candidate, has faced corruption allegations and sparked protests both supporting and opposing his candidacy.
• The final decision will be made by the 15-member U.N. Security Council, particularly the five permanent members with veto power, before being approved by the General Assembly; additional candidates may still enter the race.
• Experts highlight a strong desire for a secretary-general who will take risks and actively promote peace, with advocacy groups also pushing for the next leader to be a woman.