UN Security Council Reviews Candidates for Next Secretary-General
UNITED NATIONS, July 10, 2026 — The United Nations Security Council has completed informal hearings with three candidates competing to become the organization’s next secretary-general, marking another step in the selection process for the UN’s top leadership position.
Speaking in his capacity as Security Council president for July, Democratic Republic of the Congo’s UN Ambassador Zenon Ngay Mukongo said council members met this week with former Senegalese President Macky Sall, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, and former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.
During the sessions, each candidate outlined their priorities for the United Nations, presented their vision for addressing global challenges, and answered questions from Security Council members during interactive discussions.
Mukongo said the council will continue the selection process in line with Article 97 of the UN Charter and the agreed procedures established by the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council. The council is expected to recommend a candidate to the General Assembly in sufficient time to allow the successful nominee to prepare before taking office.
He also confirmed that one remaining candidate, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, is scheduled to appear before the council later this month.
The successful candidate will succeed current UN Secretary-General António Guterres and begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027, following appointment by the UN General Assembly based on the Security Council’s recommendation.
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