UN 2026 Secretary-General Selection: Transparency and Global Challenges in Focus

As the United Nations approaches the selection of its next Secretary-General in 2026, the process is drawing heightened attention due to global challenges and calls for increased transparency and inclusivity. This selection will determine the individual who will lead the organization in addressing pressing international issues over the coming years.

Evolving Selection Process

Traditionally, the appointment of the UN Secretary-General has been characterized by a lack of transparency, with decisions often made behind closed doors by the Security Council's five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, reforms initiated in 2015 aimed to democratize the process. For the first time, all 193 UN Member States were invited to participate fully, allowing for informal dialogues and meetings with candidates. This shift was intended to make the selection more inclusive and reflective of the collective will of the international community.

Potential Candidates Emerge

As the 2026 selection approaches, several potential candidates have garnered attention:

• David Choquehuanca: Bolivia's Vice President since 2020, Choquehuanca has a background in diplomacy and indigenous rights advocacy. He served as Bolivia's Foreign Minister from 2006 to 2017 and as Secretary-General of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) from 2017 to 2019. In April 2025, Bolivia's Permanent Mission to the UN circulated a letter announcing his candidacy, marking an early entry into the race.

• Mia Mottley: The Prime Minister of Barbados since 2018, Mottley has been recognized for her leadership on climate change and global financial reform. She spearheaded the Bridgetown Initiative, advocating for changes in the global financial system to better support developing nations facing climate crises. Her potential candidacy has generated significant excitement among UN diplomats, with some expressing strong support for her leadership qualities.

• Michelle Bachelet: A two-time President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bachelet has been a prominent figure in international politics. In an informal survey conducted by PassBlue, she emerged as a favored candidate among respondents for the position of Secretary-General.

• Amina Mohammed: Serving as the UN Deputy Secretary-General since 2017, Mohammed has been instrumental in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Her experience within the UN system positions her as a strong contender.

• Kristalina Georgieva: The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund since 2019, Georgieva brings extensive experience in international finance and development, making her a notable candidate for the role.

Calls for Gender Parity

Despite nearly eight decades of existence, the UN has never had a female Secretary-General. This has led to renewed calls for gender parity in the organization's leadership. In November 2024, during a General Assembly debate on revitalizing the UN's work, delegates overwhelmingly urged the appointment of a woman to the position. Costa Rica's delegate emphasized the need to break the "80-year cycle of exclusion," highlighting the importance of women's representation in global leadership roles.

Implications for Global Leadership

The selection of the next Secretary-General carries significant implications:

• Global Tensions: Amid rising global tensions and multiple active conflicts, the UN's foundational mission to prevent large-scale wars is more critical than ever. The choice of Secretary-General will influence the organization's ability to mediate and resolve international disputes.

• Representation and Inclusivity: The push for a female Secretary-General and candidates from underrepresented regions underscores a broader movement towards inclusivity and representation in global governance.

• Transparency and Reform: The ongoing reforms in the selection process reflect a commitment to transparency and democratic principles within the UN, potentially setting a precedent for other international organizations.

Conclusion

The upcoming selection of the UN Secretary-General presents an opportunity to assess the organization's role in global diplomacy and its capacity to address contemporary challenges. As the process unfolds, the international community will be watching closely, hopeful that the chosen leader will embody the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and effective leadership necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world.