Who's in the Running for the Next UN Leader?

The United Nations is gearing up for a big change in 2027. A new Secretary-General will take the reins, and the process to pick this important leader is about to kick off. This role is like the CEO of the UN, overseeing thousands of staff and major peacekeeping efforts. The selection process is a bit of a puzzle. It starts when the Security Council and the General Assembly send out a letter asking countries to nominate their candidates. This letter is expected by the end of the year. Traditionally, the job rotates among different regions, but this time, it's Latin America's turn. However, there's talk that candidates from other regions might throw their hats in the ring. Several names are already in the mix. Chile's former president, Michelle Bachelet, is one of them. She's got a strong background in politics and has held key roles at the UN, including as the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Costa Rica is backing Rebeca Grynspan, a seasoned politician and economist who currently leads the UN Conference on Trade and Development. Argentina's Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has also expressed his interest. The actual selection process is a bit of a mystery. The Security Council holds secret votes, known as straw polls, until they agree on a candidate. The five permanent members— the United States, Russia, Britain, China, and France—have the final say. It can take several rounds of voting to reach a consensus. Once the Security Council picks a candidate, the General Assembly usually gives its approval without much fuss. The UN has been trying to make this process more open. Candidates are now expected to share their vision and funding sources. There's also a push to have the first female Secretary-General in the UN's 80-year history. The General Assembly has encouraged countries to nominate women, noting that no woman has held the position yet. The Secretary-General's job is a mix of diplomacy, advocacy, and administration. They oversee a massive budget and peacekeeping operations but don't have much power when it comes to military decisions or sanctions. Many diplomats say the veto-wielding countries prefer a "secretary" over a "general. "