UN Secretary-General candidates debate need for credibility and action

Six candidates vying for the position of UN Secretary-General participated in a debate, focusing on the critical need to restore the organization's credibility. The candidates, including Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador), Rafael Grossi (Argentina), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (Guyana), and Macky Sall (Senegal), addressed questions from diplomats, UN staff, civil society representatives, and journalists. During the two-hour discussion, held in the UN General Assembly hall, the candidates presented their qualifications and vision for leading the organization through a challenging global landscape marked by numerous conflicts. They universally agreed that the UN is facing a crisis, citing financial difficulties and widespread criticism. All candidates expressed support for continuing the reform efforts initiated by the current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026. Rebeca Grynspan, currently heading the UN's trade and development agency, articulated her desire for the UN to be more present and influential in conflict resolution. Macky Sall, the former Senegalese president, pledged to "restore trust" and make the UN more agile, effective, and responsive within his first 100 days. He positioned himself as a "bridge-builder" capable of uniting diverse parties. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana's ambassador, emphasized that the Secretary-General cannot afford inaction, stating a commitment to actively engage in resolving conflicts worldwide, citing Iran, Haiti, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo as examples. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, echoed this sentiment, arguing that the Secretary-General must intervene when member states instigate wars to rebuild the UN's credibility.

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In five years, I don't want anyone to ask me 'where is the UN?' (...) I would like to see the UN back at the table in conflict scenarios.