The position of Secretary-General is the highest leadership role at the United Nations, often described as the organization’s chief administrative officer and global diplomat. While the UN Charter provides a concise framework for the appointment, the actual selection process has evolved over time through customs, precedents, and reforms aimed at increasing transparency and inclusivity.
Constitutional Foundation
According to Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. This remains the only formal legal requirement. In practice, the process is shaped by political dynamics, particularly the influence of the five permanent members of the Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), who hold veto power.
Step-by-Step Selection Process
The modern process follows a structured timeline, especially following reforms introduced since 2015–2016.
- Initiation and Nominations
The Presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council issue a joint letter inviting UN Member States to nominate candidates. For the ongoing process to select the next Secretary-General (whose term begins in 2027), this call was issued on 25 November 2025.
Any Member State or group of states may nominate candidates, with each country typically putting forward one name. Nominees are required to submit a vision statement, curriculum vitae, and details on campaign financing. All nominations are made public on an official UN website. - Public Hearings and Engagement
A key reform since 2016 has been the introduction of public interactive dialogues. Candidates appear before Member States and civil society representatives at the UN headquarters in New York. This step has significantly increased transparency compared to the traditionally closed-door nature of earlier selections. - Security Council Deliberations
The Security Council conducts informal straw polls—often secret—to assess support for candidates. A viable candidate must secure at least nine affirmative votes out of fifteen and avoid a veto from any permanent member.
Once a consensus emerges, the Council formally recommends the candidate, typically through a resolution adopted by acclamation. Deliberations remain largely private. - Appointment by the General Assembly
The General Assembly then appoints the recommended candidate, usually by acclamation in a public meeting. Historically, the Assembly has never rejected a candidate put forward by the Security Council. The appointment is made by a simple majority vote, though consensus is the norm.
Term and Traditions
The Secretary-General serves a five-year term, which is renewable once by tradition, although the Charter does not impose a strict limit. António Guterres of Portugal is currently serving his second term, which concludes on 31 December 2026.
Reforms Enhancing Transparency
Significant changes were introduced through General Assembly resolutions, notably 69/321 and subsequent updates. The 2025 resolution (79/327) further strengthened the process by establishing clearer timelines, requiring financial disclosures, encouraging the nomination of women, and setting ethical guidelines—such as requiring candidates holding UN positions to step aside during their campaigns.
These reforms aim to make the process more open and merit-based, though the decisive influence of the Security Council’s permanent members continues to define outcomes.
Current Context (May 2026)
The selection process for the 2027–2031 term is actively underway. Several high-profile candidates have been nominated, including prominent figures such as Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), and Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica). There is strong global interest in selecting the first female Secretary-General in the organization’s history.
The process is expected to culminate in the second half of 2026, with the new Secretary-General assuming office on 1 January 2027.
The selection of the UN Secretary-General remains one of the most important exercises in global diplomacy, balancing political realities with growing demands for transparency, equity, and effective leadership in addressing pressing international challenges. For the latest developments, the official UN selection portal provides comprehensive and up-to-date information.
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