The United Nations Security Council has begun its process of selecting a new Secretary-General by initiating straw polls, aiming to narrow down the field of seven candidates vying to replace António Guterres. The council's actions are intended to facilitate an agreement on a successor before Guterres' current term concludes at the end of this year.
The selection process, which has been made more transparent through public interviews and a recent town hall event, is being closely watched. Annalena Baerbock, President of the U.N. General Assembly, emphasized the significance of the chosen individual, stating, "The person we choose will not only be the face of this house of humanity, but also its custodian." Esther Brimmer, a former assistant secretary of state focusing on U.N. affairs, noted her impression of the open debates, calling the process "much more transparent and visible to the public."
While the U.N. Charter does not explicitly detail the selection method, an informal regional rotation is generally observed, with many anticipating this term to be Latin America's turn. There is also a significant push to see a woman lead the organization for the first time. However, the U.S. State Department has indicated it will not prejudge candidates based on "immutable characteristics" and seeks a Secretary-General focused on peace and security, rather than "absurd, politicized, woke ideology."
Among the front-runners is Rafael Grossi of Argentina, who heads the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog agency. Grossi highlighted his experience in negotiating ceasefires for a nuclear power plant caught in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stating, "We have negotiated six ceasefires to be able to do indispensable repairs that would prevent a major accident." Rebeca Grynspan echoed the sentiment of preventing wider suffering, suggesting similar diplomatic efforts could be applied to other regions like the Strait of Hormuz.
The ongoing wars in Ukraine and Iran, and the Security Council's difficulties in resolving these conflicts, were prominent themes during the candidates' town hall. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, former Foreign Minister of Guyana, stressed the need for an active Secretary-General, asserting, "I'm not oblivious to the geopolitical situation. But one thing the secretary-general does not have the luxury of doing, and that is not trying."
The current slate of candidates includes two from Africa: former Senegalese President Macky Sall and Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu. From Latin America, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and Ecuador's former Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa are also in contention. Espinosa stated, "Our responsibility is to make the U.N. relevant again." More candidates may still emerge as the Security Council proceeds with its straw polls.
Esther Brimmer, now with the Council on Foreign Relations, expressed concern that agreement among the five permanent members of the Security Council might prove challenging. She cautioned against selecting "the lowest common denominator, least offensive person." Ultimately, the Security Council will forward its preferred candidate to the General Assembly for a final vote, with the council president emphasizing the need for sufficient transition time before the current Secretary-General's term ends.
MICHELE KELEMEN, BYLINE: The president of the U.N. General Assembly, Germany's Annalena Baerbock, has been hosting public interviews of the candidates. And most took part in a town hall last week.
BRIMMER: You do not want the P5 just to go for, like, the lowest common denominator, least offensive person.
