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U.S. Presses Merit-Only Global Search for Next U.N. Secretary-General

A formal call for nominees is expected by year-end to start the race to replace António Guterres.

Overview

  • Deputy U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea urged considering the widest possible field and said the selection should be purely merit-based.
  • Washington framed its stance around a push to take the U.N. "back to basics" with an emphasis on accountability, transparency, sovereignty and institutional reform.
  • The Security Council and General Assembly president plan a joint letter to solicit nominations, with a vote next year for a five-year term beginning January 1, 2027.
  • Latin American states argue it is their turn under regional rotation, with Panama urging recognition of leadership from the developing world, while Russia called rotation a tradition and said merit comes before gender.
  • Chile intends to nominate former president Michelle Bachelet and Costa Rica plans to put forward Rebeca Grynspan, as Denmark backs selecting the first woman to lead the organization.