The search for a new Secretary-General of the United Nations is set to begin next year, as the current Secretary-General, António Guterres, completes his second term. The application process opened at the end of November, with many hoping for the election of the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
The selection of the new Secretary-General holds significant importance, and the permanent members of the UN Security Council wield considerable influence over the appointment. The upcoming leader will face numerous challenges, particularly in an era when the credibility of the UN is being questioned.
The UN Security Council has officially requested its member nations to nominate candidates for the role, highlighting the ongoing tradition of regional rotation. Historically, only a small number of individuals have filled this role, and two of them hailed from Nordic countries—Norwegian Trygve Lie, the first Secretary-General, and Swedish Dag Hammarskjöld, the second. Speculation arises that this time, candidates from Finland, such as former President Sauli Niinistö or former Prime Minister Sanna Marin, could be contenders.
However, as noted by Helena Laukko, Executive Director of the Finnish UN Association, given that a European Secretary-General is currently unlikely—due to Guterres being from Portugal—the chances for Finland to secure the nomination are slim. As such, preparations for nominations from Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs are not actively underway, with the focus instead on more likely candidates from Latin America.
The new Secretary-General will be appointed based on Article 97 of the UN Charter, which stipulates that the General Assembly makes the appointment upon the recommendation of the Security Council. Each member state can nominate only one candidate, who must not be from one of the Security Council’s five permanent members.
While the nomination process allows for any diplomat to be proposed, the position has historically been filled by seasoned diplomats, with English and French language proficiency generally required. Candidates are expected to submit a proposal for the UN’s development along with their financial disclosures. Those currently holding UN positions are also expected to take a leave of absence until the selection announcement.
The Secretary-General serves a five-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms dictated by a General Assembly resolution, although this is only a recommendation. Laukko notes that serving more than two terms is improbable due to the role’s demanding nature.
The Security Council plays a crucial role in this process, where member states express their support or opposition to candidates, and permanent members possess veto power over candidates. This system allows for candidates to potentially be blocked from consideration in a non-transparent manner, as seen in historical instances such as the failed candidacy of Finnish diplomat Max Jakobson in 1971.
As the UN continues to face challenges, including conflicts and questions regarding its credibility, the selection of the next Secretary-General is more critical than ever. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need for diversity in representation, echoing sentiments from leaders like Alexander Stubb calling for reform in the Security Council’s composition.
In the current climate, where issues of gender representation have garnered increased visibility, it is noteworthy that among the unofficial candidates, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan are being considered, both of whom have extensive UN experience.
While the dynamics surrounding the nomination and election process are intricate, there is a hopeful sentiment that the next Secretary-General might finally bring not only gender diversity but also a renewed commitment to addressing the multi-faceted challenges facing the global community today.