The United Nations Security Council has concluded informal dialogues with three candidates vying to succeed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to Zenon Ngay Mukongo, the Council’s president for July 2026. As the international body prepares for a leadership transition effective January 1, 2027, the selection process remains governed by Article 97 of the UN Charter and established transparency protocols.
The Current Field of Candidates
Council members held individual, informal sessions with three primary candidates throughout the second week of July 2026. Zenon Ngay Mukongo, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UN, confirmed the following schedule of engagements:
- Macky Sall: The former Senegalese president, proposed by the Republic of Burundi, met with the Council on July 7.
- Rafael Grossi: The current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), nominated by Argentina, also participated in discussions on July 7.
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett: The former Guyanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, proposed by Guyana, engaged with the Council on July 9.
A fourth candidate, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, is scheduled for an informal dialogue with the Council on July 27, according to Mukongo.
The selection of a UN Secretary-General is a two-step process: the Security Council provides a recommendation, which must then be formally approved by the UN General Assembly.
Process and Selection Criteria
During these sessions, candidates presented their strategic visions for the UN and addressed the shifting global landscape. Mukongo noted that each participant engaged in an interactive exchange, fielding “one or two questions of clarification” from every Council member regarding the organization’s most pressing challenges.
While Mukongo declined to disclose the specific content of these private exchanges, he stated that the candidates outlined their methods for tackling major international issues. The Council intends to submit its final recommendation to the General Assembly in time to ensure a seamless transition for the incoming leader.
Regulatory Framework for the Appointment
The current selection cycle adheres to the guidelines established in a joint letter issued by the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council on November 25, 2025. This framework aims to maintain transparency while upholding the mandate of Article 97 of the UN Charter, which dictates that the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 Transition
The successful candidate will inherit a five-year term starting January 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who selects the UN Secretary-General?
The Secretary-General is appointed by the UN General Assembly, but only following a formal recommendation from the Security Council.
How long is the term for the Secretary-General?
The term lasts for five years. The next term begins on January 1, 2027.
Are these dialogues public?
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