Diplomacy · 21 days ago
UN begins search for new secretary-general
The United Nations has initiated the selection process to appoint the next secretary-general, as the current term nears its end. An informal straw poll has highlighted candidates including Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan and others. The process remains highly opaque and subject to the influence of the Security Council's permanent members.
First reported by aljazeera.com · developing for 29 days · 16 sourcesaljazeera.comUN launches hunt for next chief amid rising challengesaa.com.trUN Security Council holds first straw poll for Secretary-General Guterres' successorstraitstimes.comInformal poll shows Costa Rica's Grynspan ahead in race to be next UN chiefirishtimes.comThe murky process of selecting the next UN secretary general is coming to a head – The Irish Timesjpost.comUN Security Council begins straw polls for next secretary-generalarabnews.comUgandan diplomat Otunnu joins race to become next UN head+10 more outlets
Why it matters
The selection of the UN chief dictates the organization's diplomatic priorities and administrative direction for the next several years.
Context
The UN secretary-general is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council, where the five permanent members have veto power.