United Nations Secretary-General

The United Nations has officially launched the selection process for the next Secretary-General (SG), who will assume office in January 2027, after Antonio Guterres completes his second term on 31 December 2026.

About the UN Secretary-General

The Secretary-General (SG) is the chief administrative officer of the United Nations under Article 97 of the UN Charter.

• The SG functions as a diplomat, civil servant, advocate, and chief executive officer of the UN system.

• The office symbolises the ideals of the United Nations and acts as a spokesperson for the world’s peoples, especially the poor and vulnerable.

• Although regional rotation is traditionally followed, it is not legally binding.

• So far, all UN Secretaries-General have been men, leading to growing calls for the appointment of a woman SG.

Selection and Appointment of the Secretary-General

Initiation of the Process

The selection process begins with a joint invitation issued by the Presidents of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the UN Security Council (UNSC), inviting Member States to submit nominations.

• Each nominee submits a vision statement, curriculum vitae, and campaign financing disclosures.

Security Council Screening

The UN Security Council conducts informal consultations and secret straw polls.

• Candidates are marked as “encourage”, “discourage”, or “no opinion”.

• Ballots cast by the five permanent members (P5: US, UK, Russia, China, France) are colour-coded to identify any potential veto.

Threshold for Recommendation

• A candidate must receive at least nine votes and no veto from any P5 member.

• The UNSC then adopts a formal resolution recommending one candidate to the General Assembly.

General Assembly Appointment

• The UN General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General by simple majority or acclamation.

• Term: Five years, generally renewable once.

Role of the United Nations Secretary-General (SG)

Administrative and Executive Role

The Secretary-General acts as the chief administrative officer of the United Nations under Article 97 of the UN Charter.

• The SG heads the UN Secretariat, overseeing personnel, budgets, and operations across the UN’s global missions and programmes.

• The SG chairs the UN System Chief Executives Board (CEB), ensuring coordination and coherence across the UN system.

• The SG performs functions entrusted by the Security Council, General Assembly, ECOSOC, and other UN bodies.

• Under Article 99, the SG may bring to the Security Council’s attention any matter that threatens international peace and security.

• Overall, the SG’s mandate combines administrative authority with significant political discretion.

Diplomatic and Mediation Role

The Secretary-General plays a crucial role in preventive diplomacy and conflict resolution.

• The SG uses their “good offices” to prevent, manage, or resolve conflicts through quiet diplomacy, mediation, and public appeals.

• The SG travels extensively to engage with governments, international organisations, and local communities, remaining closely connected to global challenges and concerns.

Symbolic and Advocacy Role

The Secretary-General serves as the moral and symbolic voice of the United Nations.

• The SG promotes peace, justice, human rights, and multilateral cooperation on the global stage.

• The role requires balancing the interests of Member States while upholding the principles and values of the UN Charter.