Former Senegalese President Macky Sall and three others will present visions in public UN hearings, offering a rare live-streamed glimpse into the race to succeed António Guterres.

The other nominees are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi and Costa Rican economist and former vice-president Rebeca Grynspan.

The UN has never had a woman secretary-general in nearly 80 years, a gap the General Assembly noted last September, urging stronger consideration of female candidates.

The next UN chief takes office on January 1, 2027, amid financial strain, unpaid member contributions, and doubts over its ability to manage conflicts effectively.

In a shift from closed selections, the process now includes public dialogues, improving transparency and allowing states and the public to assess candidates.

“On Tuesday and Wednesday, candidates will outline their vision for the United Nations and answer questions from member states and civil society.

“Discussions will cover leadership experience, reform, and the UN’s pillars of peace, development, and human rights. These dialogues mark a pivotal moment.

“Interactive dialogues with Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi will be on Tuesday, while Rebeca Grynspan and Macky Sall will appear on Wednesday,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

A letter from General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the dialogues will focus on leadership qualities and the UN’s core pillars of peace, development, and human rights.

Civil society groups will submit questions during sessions, widening participation in the selection process.

Ms Bachelet is a high-profile contender, having served twice as Chile’s first female president and later led UN Women.

She also served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022.

Mr Grossi, nominated by Argentina, has centred his bid on institutional efficiency and reform.

As head of the International Atomic Energy Agency since 2019, he has managed sensitive nuclear diplomacy and urged alignment between UN operations and funding realities.

Ms Grynspan, nominated by Costa Rica, is a former chief of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

She argues that restoring trust in the UN’s ability to deliver results on development, trade, and stability is the defining challenge ahead.

Mr Sall, nominated by Burundi, brings a distinct perspective shaped by his tenure as Senegal’s president from 2012 to 2024.

He led one of West Africa’s most stable democracies and became a prominent advocate for African interests globally. 

(NAN)