Overview
- The four contenders are taking part in three-hour public Q&As at UN headquarters on Tuesday and Wednesday, only the second such forum since the format was introduced in 2016.
- Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and Macky Sall of Senegal outlined visions to restore trust in a strained UN, with campaigns also pressing for the first woman to hold the post.
- After the hearings, the 15‑member Security Council is expected to run secret straw polls through July, using colored ballots to show any veto threats from the five permanent members.
- Washington’s stance looms large as its UN envoy said the next leader must reflect American values, and Republican lawmakers urged a US veto of Bachelet, who continues in the race with backing from Brazil and Mexico despite Chile’s withdrawal.
- Diplomats see IAEA chief Grossi as a leading contender based on his dealings with major powers, while Sall’s bid has split African governments, underscoring regional and political rifts in the field.