Analysis of statements by U.N. member states shows many interested in seeing a woman become the next secretary-general for the first time.

UN member states should expand the field of candidates for Secretary-General by nominating more women for the role.

In historic speech to mark UN’s 80th anniversary, secretary general makes impassioned plea for multilateralism and international law amid drastic US funding cuts

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country will continue to support Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for UN secretary-general.

Candidates to become the next head of the United Nations vowed to revitalise the troubled organisation by pursuing reforms.

Episode 1 of the World's Toughest Job podcast

via US news | The Guardian — As the organisation meets this week, it remains the best hope for restoring order. But it relies on goodwill from the US president – and that is lacking If all goes to plan, at some stage in the coming weeks 15 diplomats will emerge from a small sound-proofed room deep in the bowels of the United Nations headquarters in New York and announce the organisation’s next secretary-general. The person they choose will face a combination of challenges unlike any that their predecessors have had to deal

UNITED NATIONS, September 15 (IPS) - As the race for the election of a new Secretary-General (UNSG) gathers momentum, the spotlight is on the 193-member General Assembly, the highest policy making body at the United Nations, which has refused to assert itself and continues to play a subservient role in the elections of UNSGs.

A first informal UN Security Council poll showed former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan as the early frontrunner.

The UN Security Council will hold an initial round of informal closed-door "straw poll" ballots to assess support for the seven candidates.

Lula reiterated support for Michelle Bachelet on Mar 28, 2026; Bachelet served as Chilean president 2006–2010 and 2014–2018 and as UN rights chief 2018–2022.

Selection for the UN chief to start Jan 1, 2027 hinges on a Security Council recommendation (9 votes, no P5 veto) and General Assembly confirmation; watch straw polls and P5 signals (Mar 26, 2026).