### UN Launches Selection Process for Next Secretary-General: A Call for Gender Balance The United Nations has officially initiated the selection process for its next Secretary-General, who will succeed Antonio Guterres when his term ends on December 31, 2026. This process, which began on November 26, 2025, emphasizes the importance of gender balance, urging member states to nominate women candidates. Notable figures such as former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Costa Rica's Rebeca Grynspan, and the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, have emerged as potential candidates. The UN leadership has expressed regret that no woman has ever held the position, highlighting the need for equal opportunities in this critical role [https://thebrewnews.com/thebrew-news/world/un-next-secretary-general-selection-2026, https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/un-kicks-off-process-to-elect-next-secretary-general, https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/un-begins-process-to-select-next-secretary-general-urges-members-to-nominate-women-3210429]. ### Structure of the Selection Process and Key Considerations 1. **Nomination Process**: Member states are invited to submit nominations for candidates, who must have extensive experience in international relations and diplomacy. Candidates are required to provide a vision statement and funding sources [https://24newshd.tv/26-nov-2025/secretary-general-selection-process-begins-un]. 2. **Gender and Regional Diversity**: The UN has called for a strong consideration of women candidates, noting the historical absence of female Secretaries-General. The selection process also emphasizes regional diversity, with a tradition of geographical rotation favoring Latin America this time [https://news.az/news/un-starts-formal-process-to-elect-next-secretary-general, https://www.thehawk.in/news/world/un-formally-initiates-selection-process-for-next-secretary-general]. 3. **Transparency and Interviews**: Candidates may undergo public interviews, a practice introduced during the 2016 selection process. This aims to enhance transparency in the selection of the next Secretary-General [https://dailyworld.in/international/un-formally-initiates-selection-process-for-next-secretary-general-650356.html]. 4. **Final Selection**: The UN Security Council will begin the formal selection process by the end of July 2026. The five permanent members of the Security Council will play a crucial role in recommending candidates, after which the General Assembly will elect the new Secretary-General for a five-year term starting January 1, 2027 [https://www.anews.com.tr/world/2025/11/26/un-launches-formal-process-to-select-next-secretary-general]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Candidates Mentioned**: - Michelle Bachelet (Former President of Chile) - Rebeca Grynspan (Head of UNCTAD) - Rafael Grossi (Director General of the IAEA) - **Key Dates**: - Nomination process began: November 26, 2025 - Formal selection process by Security Council: By end of July 2026 - Term start for new Secretary-General: January 1, 2027 - **Historical Context**: No woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General, which the UN leadership has noted with regret, emphasizing the need for gender equality in this high-profile role [https://totaluae.com/posts/emirates/un-begins-process-to-elect-next-secretary-general, https://www.freedom969.com/world-news/un-kicks-off-process-to-elect-next-secretary-general]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the UN The initiation of the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General marks a significant moment in the organization's history, particularly with the strong emphasis on gender balance and regional diversity. 1. **Urgent Call for Women Candidates**: The UN's call for member states to nominate women reflects a critical shift towards inclusivity in leadership roles. 2. **Structured Selection Process**: The outlined nomination and selection process aims to ensure transparency and accountability, with public interviews and a focus on candidates' qualifications. 3. **Potential Candidates**: The emergence of prominent figures like Bachelet, Grynspan, and Grossi indicates a competitive field, with the final decision resting in the hands of the Security Council and General Assembly. In summary, the UN's commitment to gender equality and regional representation in the selection of its next Secretary-General could redefine leadership within the organization and set a precedent for future appointments [https://www.tag24.com/world/secretary-general-selection-process-begins-at-un-3442661].