Archive · 14 Jan 2026
UN Secretary-General Election Process and Candidates
The United Nations is getting a new leader in 2027.
Countries that are part of the UN can suggest people for the job.
The UN has asked countries to suggest their candidates by April 1, 2026.
There will be meetings where these candidates can talk about their plans, and UN members can ask them questions.
The Security Council, which has 15 members including five powerful countries, will then vote to choose the best candidate.
This candidate will then be approved by the General Assembly, which has 193 members.
The UN is trying to make this process more open and fair.
So far, a few people from different countries have said they want the job, including Rafael Grossi from Argentina, Michelle Bachelet from Chile, and Rebeca Grynspan from Costa Rica.
The new leader will be in charge of the UN for five years, starting in 2027.
The UN is electing a new Secretary-General for a five-year term starting January 1, 2027.
Countries must nominate candidates by April 1, 2026, with interactive dialogues scheduled for April 20, 2026.
The Security Council will hold secret ballots to recommend a candidate to the General Assembly.
The five permanent veto-wielding members of the Security Council must agree on the candidate.
The UN is working to improve the transparency of the selection process, including public vision statements and disclosure of funding sources.
- Who
- UN member states nominate candidates for the position of Secretary-General.
- What
- The process to elect a new UN Secretary-General for a five-year term starting January 1, 2027.
- When
- The formal process started on November 25, 2025, with nominations due by April 1, 2026, and interactive dialogues scheduled for April 20, 2026.
- Where
- The United Nations headquarters in New York.
- Why
- To select a new Secretary-General to oversee the United Nations and its operations.
- Term Duration
- Five years, starting January 1, 2027
- Current UN Chief
- Antonio Guterres
- Nominations Deadline
- April 1, 2026
- Interactive Dialogues
- Week of April 20, 2026
- Formal Nomination Required
- Yes, by a UN member state
- Security Council Veto Powers
- United States, Russia, Britain, China, France
- Current Candidates
- Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica)
- Transparency Measures
- Vision statements, public disclosure of funding sources