Process to Elect New UN Secretary-General Begins
The webangah News Agency English Service, citing Mehr news Agency and TASS, reports that Sierra Leone, the current President of the Security Council, has released a letter announcing the start of candidate nominations for the post of Secretary-General.
The letter urges member states to “seriously consider female candidates,” noting that no woman has ever held the position.
It also emphasizes “the importance of regional diversity in selecting the Secretary-General.”
Candidates are nominated by member states, with each country allowed to propose only one individual. To submit a nomination, countries must send an official letter to both the Presidents of the Security Council and General Assembly. Following nomination, candidates are required to present their vision and plans for the United Nations’ future as well as disclose their financial resources. Additionally, any candidate currently serving within UN structures must step down from their duties during the selection period to avoid conflicts of interest.
The election is expected to take place in late July 2026.
Current Secretary-General António Guterres’ term ends on December 31, 2026. So far, Rafael grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has officially declared his candidacy for the upcoming term.
The Secretary-General is appointed by the Security Council and confirmed by the General Assembly for a renewable five-year term. Although there is no limit on consecutive terms served,no one has held this office longer than ten years so far. According to established practice, candidates should not come from any of the five permanent members of the Security Council: Russia, united Kingdom, China, United States or France.
