Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall… Who are the four candidates in the running to lead the UN in 2027?

Four candidates have been auditioned this week by representatives of the 193 member states, each one sharing their vision for the position currently held by Antonio Guterres. The final decision will largely depend on the choice of the major powers within the United Nations Security Council.

It’s a crucial and thankless position in a world where conflicts are escalating. Four candidates are still in the running to replace Antonio Guterres at the helm of the United Nations, starting on January 1 next year. Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, and Rebeca Grynspan were all auditioned by representatives of the 193 UN member states on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22.

Each candidate spent over three hours answering questions from diplomats and civil society representatives during a public “oral exam” established in 2016 to enhance transparency in the selection process for the Secretary-General. All candidates emphasized the need to revitalize the role of the UN in conflict resolution, without taking definitive stances on ongoing crises.

However, the real action takes place behind the scenes. The future Secretary-General must first secure approval from the UN Security Council, where the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France each have veto power. This pivotal step limits the significance of this week’s auditions. Deliberations within the Security Council are expected to start towards the end of July, preceding a likely vote by the General Assembly in the fall.

The stakes are high as the UN is currently facing a period of tension. With escalating conflicts, paralysis within the Security Council, and financial challenges, the organization led by the Portuguese Antonio Guterres since 2017 has faced recurring challenges to its influence on the global stage. Franceinfo presents the four candidates poised to succeed him for the next five years.

Michelle Bachelet, 74 years old, the experienced former President of Chile

Former President of Chile on two occasions and the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet is arguably the most well-known among the candidates. Her international background and political longevity work in her favor.

She advocates for a Secretary-General who is “present on the ground,” capable of being “the voice of morality” and “speaking his mind” to the major powers. Bachelet also hopes that “the world is ready” to entrust this position to a woman for the first time. However, her candidacy has faced resistance, particularly in the United States where some Republican lawmakers criticize her pro-abortion stance.

Rebeca Grynspan, 70 years old, the negotiator who seeks a less cautious UN

Former Vice President of Costa Rica, Rebeca Grynspan currently leads the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). She has gained recognition in international negotiations, particularly on the export of Ukrainian cereals following the Russian invasion.

During her audition before the member states, she took a more direct approach than her competitors. The Secretary-General “must take risks,” she affirmed, criticizing an organization she views as becoming “conservative.” She argues for a more proactive UN in mediations, even in sensitive issues like the Gaza Strip, where she calls for “unhindered humanitarian aid” and supports a long-term solution where “Israel and Palestine live in peace and security.”

Rafael Grossi, 65 years old, the nuclear diplomat working on international crises

At the helm of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) under the umbrella of the UN since 2019, this Argentine diplomat plays a key role in several major issues, including the Iranian nuclear dossier and the Ukrainian nuclear power plants threatened by war, such as Zaporijjia.

During his audition, he also emphasized the need for the UN Secretary-General to be more active on the ground. He stated that he is ready to not only be a diplomatic voice but “part of the solution,” signaling a desire for a shift away from an UN sometimes criticized for being too passive in conflict situations.

Macky Sall, 64 years old, the former President of Senegal who emphasizes the balance between peace and development

Former President of Senegal from 2012 to 2024, Macky Sall is the only candidate not from Latin America. His candidacy, presented by Burundi, however, does not have unanimous support within the African Union.

He advocates for a comprehensive vision that closely links peace and development. During his audition, he called for “reinventing” the role of the UN to “regain its place at the global table.” He also addressed the “human tragedy” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while remaining cautious about concrete solutions.