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Caution marks UN leadership race as candidates present visions
🇩🇰 Denmark /Elections & Politics

Caution marks UN leadership race as candidates present visions

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Six candidates presented their visions for the UN's future during a meeting at its headquarters.
  • The candidates are vying to succeed António Guterres, whose term ends January 1, 2027.
  • Observers note a cautious campaign, with candidates careful not to alienate powerful nations like the US, which has previously cut funding.

Six candidates are vying for the position of the UN's next Secretary-General, presenting their visions during a 90-minute session at UN headquarters. The contenders aim to succeed António Guterres when his term concludes on January 1, 2027. The candidates include Michelle Bachelet of Chile, María Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett of Guyana, and Macky Sall of Senegal.

Richard Gowan of the International Crisis Group observes that the candidates are campaigning with unusual caution. "This time everyone agrees that the election is incredibly important for the UN's future, but the campaign itself has been very careful," he stated. Gowan suggests this restraint stems from a desire not to offend the US or other veto-wielding powers on the Security Council.

This time everyone agrees that the election is incredibly important for the UN's future, but the campaign itself has been very careful.

— Richard GowanRichard Gowan of the International Crisis Group on the cautious nature of the UN Secretary-General election campaign.

The UN faces a crisis, partly due to former US President Donald Trump's withdrawal of financial support from several UN organizations, citing irresponsible spending. The recent session occurred a week before the formal selection process begins. Candidates have already undergone three-hour question-and-answer sessions with representatives from all 193 UN member states.

The 15 members of the UN Security Council will select their preferred candidate in a closed, anonymous preliminary vote on July 30. Subsequent rounds will continue until one candidate secures at least nine votes without a veto from one of the five permanent members: the US, UK, China, France, and Russia. Traditionally, the Secretary-General post rotates among world regions, and Latin America is currently staking its claim, with Macky Sall of Senegal being the sole candidate from outside the region.

There is a feeling that the candidates are treading carefully so as not to offend the US or other countries with veto power.

— Richard GowanRichard Gowan on the candidates' careful approach to avoid alienating powerful nations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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