Former Senegalese president Macky Sall is among four candidates auditioning this week for the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations, as the race to succeed António Guterres enters a critical stage. The candidates will present their visions during public “interactive dialogues” with representatives of the UN’s 193 member states at the General Assembly in New York. Macky Sall, the only African contender, is scheduled to speak after Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet, Argentina’s nuclear chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, and Costa Rica’s former vice president Rebeca Grynspan. The field is notably smaller than in 2016, when 13 candidates competed before Guterres was selected. Analysts say the reduced number reflects a more polarized global climate, with rising geopolitical tensions discouraging symbolic candidacies. Diplomatic sensitivities, particularly involving major powers like the US and China have made governments more cautious about backing nominees.
The 64 years old Senegalese former head of state was nominated by Burundi, though his candidacy has not been formally endorsed by his home country Senegal or the African Union, highlighting divisions within the region. The UN selection process requires the General Assembly to appoint the secretary-general based on a recommendation from the Security Council, where the five permanent members being, United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France hold veto power, making consensus among them crucial. Traditionally, the position rotates among global regions. With Guterres from Europe and his predecessor Ban Ki-moon from Asia, many expect the next leader to come from Latin America, though Eastern Europe has never held the post.
The current race is unfolding against a backdrop of global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran, which have exposed divisions within the Security Council and limited the UN’s ability to act decisively. Experts say this environment has raised the stakes for the next secretary-general, who will face mounting pressure to restore the organization’s credibility and effectiveness. Gender representation is also a key issue, with ongoing calls for the UN’s first female leader. Advocacy groups and several member states, including the UK and France, have expressed support for a woman candidate. The selection process is expected to intensify in the coming months, with informal Security Council “straw polls” likely to determine the frontrunner before a final vote later this year.
