How is the next UN chief being chosen?, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The election process for the next UN Secretary-General is underway, with four candidates presenting their credentials to the UN General Assembly on April 21-22.
• The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon recommendation by the Security Council, where permanent members hold significant influence.
• The four candidates in the race are Michelle Bachelet, Macky Sall, Rafael Grossi, and Rebecca Grynspan.
• The next Secretary-General will assume office on January 1, 2027.

Detailed Insights:

• The Secretary-General is the UN's Chief Administrative Officer, responsible for overseeing the UN Secretariat and addressing threats to global peace and security.
• The selection of the Secretary-General typically follows a regional rotation, with the next term expected to be filled by a candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean.
• The UN faces financial challenges due to non-payment and delays in dues from member states, along with political paralysis in the Security Council.
• Candidates have emphasized preventive diplomacy, UN reform, and addressing issues such as climate change, migration, and the protection of least-developed nations.
• The Sustainable Development Goals are facing challenges, with only 18% of targets on track to be met by 2030, placing additional pressure on the next Secretary-General.

Key Concepts Involved:

• UN Secretariat: The administrative arm of the United Nations, headed by the Secretary-General.
• Sustainable Development Goals: A collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all".

UNGA