The first 2026 nominees for UN Secretary General revealed

Michelle Bachelet vs. Rafael Grossi / Collage by Kursiv.media, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

The term of the current United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who has led the global body since 2017, is set to expire at the end of this year. The formal process to select his successor was initiated in November 2025.

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Key dates for the 2026 selection cycle include a recommended nomination deadline of April 1 for candidates wishing to participate in interactive dialogues, which are scheduled for the week of April 20, 2026. The Security Council aims to begin its actual selection process by the end of July 2026.

Choosing the world’s top diplomat

The UN General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General upon the recommendation of the Security Council. While the UN Charter is vague on qualifications, custom dictates that the appointee is usually a career diplomat from a «middle power» or a neutral nation. Significantly, citizens of the five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) are traditionally ineligible for the post.

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The process is often described as opaque, resembling a «papal conclave». Because the recommendation requires at least nine affirmative votes and no vetoes from the permanent five members, historical deadlocks are common. In 1981, China cast a record 16 vetoes to block a third term for Kurt Waldheim, and in 1996, the U.S. vetoed a second term for Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

Regional rotation is a key practice, and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) is currently advocating for a leader from their region. However, there is a prioritized emphasis on gender equality. Noting with regret that «no woman has ever held the position,» the UN’s leadership is encouraging member states «to strongly consider nominating women as candidates» to ensure equal opportunities.

The first nominees

As of early 2026, two formal nominations have been received. Argentina nominated Rafael Mariano Grossi on Nov. 26, 2025. Grossi is the current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a veteran diplomat.

Rafael Grossi / Photo: IAEA.org, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

In his vision statement, «Renewing the Promise: A United Nations that Works,» he emphasizes moving away from «platitudes» toward «active diplomacy». He notes:

«The world does not need more declarations. It needs a United Nations capable of responding to the real demands of our time. […] Even in times of division, multilateral institutions can deliver real, positive impact, provided they remain accountable, focused, credible, and deeply committed to engaging those they serve.»

Michelle Bachelet Jeria was jointly nominated on Feb. 2, 2026, by Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. Bachelet is a former two-term president of Chile, the first Executive Director of UN Women, and a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Michelle Bachelet / Photo: UN.org, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

Her vision, «The United Nations the World Needs,» calls for a modern institution focused on «verifiable results». She asserts that:

«The United Nations cannot confine itself to safeguarding the past; it must act as an architect of the future. […] Gender perspective must be incorporated into peacebuilding and prevention strategies. Recognizing women as key actors in building peaceful and resilient societies not only improves policy effectiveness but also reflects the UN’s commitment to equality, inclusion, and lasting justice.»

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