The United Nations has officially begun its search for the next Secretary-General, as the international body grapples with a host of pressing challenges.
An initial informal straw poll by the UN Security Council on Thursday (July 30) showed former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan as the early frontrunner, although several other candidates remain in the race.
The successor to Antonio Guterres, who has led the UN for the past decade, will face formidable hurdles amid escalating global conflicts and growing criticism from far-right populist movements targeting international institutions.
Therefore, the new Secretary-General will need to revive an organization that is in crisis, suffering from a diminished standing and under increasing pressure for reform.
In the non-binding “straw poll” of the 15 Security Council members, Grynspan received ten “encourage” votes.
Former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett secured nine votes. Rafael Grossi, an Argentine who heads the UN’s nuclear watchdog, surprisingly came in third among the seven candidates.
In the polls, which are expected to be held in multiple rounds, Security Council members are confidentially asked whether they “encourage,” “discourage,” or have “no opinion” about each candidate.
Support from the five veto-wielding permanent members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—is crucial.
By convention, several rounds of voting may take place throughout the summer, concluding in late September or early October. The process could be extended if no consensus candidate emerges.
Other candidates include former Senegalese President Macky Sall, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu, who entered the race last week. More candidates may still join the contest.
