On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the United Nations formally launched the selection and appointment process for its next secretary-general, who will take office on January 1, 2027.
Announced in a joint letter signed by United Nations General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock and Michael Imran Kanu, President of the UN Security Council for November, the call emphasizes a role demanding the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, along with strong leadership, diplomatic communication and multilingual abilities.
Key highlights of the new process include:
- Gender equality push: Member States are urged to nominate women for the first time in UN history to advance gender balance in senior decision-making roles.
- Regional diversity: Ensuring that candidates reflect the UN’s global membership.
- Transparency measures: Submission of vision statements and disclosure of funding sources at nomination.
To further boost openness, the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council will keep a public list of candidates and host informal, livestreamed dialogues. The Security Council will kick off its selection rounds in late July 2026 and then recommend a nominee to the General Assembly.
Current UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres, who took office in January 2017, will conclude his second term at the end of 2026. As the world faces complex challenges—from accelerating climate risks to shifting geopolitical tensions—observers say the next UN chief will need to be a visionary change-maker, ready to steer the organization into a new era.
Member States are encouraged to submit nominations early to ensure a robust and inclusive process that reflects the UN’s core mission: peace, development and human rights for all.
Reference(s):
UN formally launches selection process for next secretary-general
cgtn.com
