Africa’s split over Macky Sall contrasts with Latin America’s trio of contenders as member states weigh competing reform agendas
Against a backdrop of shrinking funding and sharpening geopolitical rivalries, the formal hustings at United Nations headquarters in New York on 21-22 April showcased four contenders, all keen to avoid offending power blocs within the General Assembly. It was a pivotal moment in the selection of the next Secretary-General, who will take office on 1 January 2027. The four – Chile’s former President Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi, UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, and Senegal’s former President Macky Sall – appeared before member states and civil society to set out their vision for an organisation under acute financial and political strain. But with months to run, new candidates may yet emerge, displace the current field and broker deals across rival constituencies before securing the post.
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