The race to replace António Guterres is gathering pace as countries debate the future direction of the United Nations…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The race to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General has moved into sharper focus, with world leaders calling for stronger leadership of the organisation and the Bahamas backing a Caribbean diplomat who could become the first woman to hold the post.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis endorsed Guyana’s UN Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett for the position, highlighting that all nine Secretaries-General since the organisation was founded have been men. No Caribbean national has previously served as UN Secretary-General.
Rodrigues-Birkett was formally nominated by Guyana and took part in an interactive dialogue with UN member states in June as part of the selection process.
The next Secretary-General will take charge of an organisation facing conflicts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, financial pressures and growing geopolitical divisions. Questions have also intensified over the UN Security Council’s ability to respond effectively to major international crises.
Several leaders used their addresses to the UN General Assembly to outline the qualities they expect from Guterres’ successor.
Czech President Petr Pavel said the next UN chief would have to steer the organisation through increasing geopolitical competition and fragmentation.
“Diplomacy matters most not between friends, but between adversaries,” Pavel said, while stressing that the UN remained an important forum for dialogue even when countries struggled to reach agreement.
Germany called for far-reaching reforms, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul saying the next Secretary-General must address the gap between what member states expect from the UN and the authority and resources they provide.
China said the incoming Secretary-General should uphold the UN Charter and demonstrate independence and integrity. Vice President Han Zheng said Beijing wanted a successor who “honors the UN Charter, has exceptional capability, upholds integrity and fairness, and demonstrates courage and dedication”.
China also argued that reforms should strengthen the organisation and give greater representation to countries in the Global South, rather than focusing solely on reducing budgets and mandates.
US President Donald Trump offered a different vision, saying his administration had helped deliver “the most sweeping reform in UN history”, including budget reductions and the removal of thousands of positions. He said the organisation had “great potential” but should not advance policies imposed by unelected international officials.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the UN’s credibility had suffered because of the Security Council’s inability to prevent or resolve conflicts. French President Emmanuel Macron also called for institutional reform, warning of a choice between international cooperation and “a return to the law of the jungle”.
The competing positions underline the broader debate over the UN’s future, including its role in conflict resolution, climate change, artificial intelligence and inequality, as well as questions over national sovereignty.
Gender representation is another issue in the race. No woman has served as UN Secretary-General since the organisation was established in 1945.
The Secretary-General is formally appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council. The council’s five permanent members, China, France, Russia, Britain and the US, can block a candidate, making their agreement central to the process.
Guterres is due to leave office at the end of 2026 after two five-year terms. His successor is scheduled to take office on January 1, 2027.
