Race for UN Chief Begins Amid Climate Change Concerns

The global spotlight is turning toward the succession of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose second term concludes at the end of 2026. Guterres has been a vocal advocate for climate action throughout his tenure, but his efforts have coincided with a perceived decline in global resolve to tackle the climate crisis.

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I think it's time for a woman. For the first time in the 80 years of the UN's existence.

Unwritten UN rules suggest the next secretary-general should hail from South America, a region from which several candidates are emerging, notably women. Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, former foreign minister and defense minister of Ecuador, is a prominent contender. An activist focused on biodiversity and indigenous rights, she has also been involved in climate negotiations, emphasizing the necessity of effective multilateralism in addressing the current climate crisis.

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We have come a long way and achieved a lot, but we must face new evidence and new threats.

Another strong candidate is Michelle Bachelet, former two-term president of Chile and ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Nominated by Brazil and Mexico, Bachelet is known for her firm stance against climate change denial and her past efforts to boost renewable energy in Chile. Both Garces and Bachelet represent a potential continuation of Guterres's climate agenda, though they also bring their own distinct experiences and priorities to the forefront of the race.

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The current climate crisis gives us the opportunity to show the world that effective and results-oriented multilateralism is not an option but a necessity.