The contest to select the next Secretary-General of the United Nations has intensified as four leading candidates—Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, and Macky Sall—faced rigorous questioning from member state representatives. UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the process as one of the world’s toughest job interviews. Despite extensive discussions, no clear frontrunner has yet emerged. Current Secretary-General António Guterres’s term ends on January 1, and additional candidates may still join the race.

All four contenders emphasized strengthening the UN’s three core pillars of peace, development, and human rights. They pledged to enhance the organization’s effectiveness in resolving conflicts in crisis regions such as Iran, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Bachelet called for a more proactive UN presence, Grossi stressed the need for strong leadership to overcome global divisions, Grynspan urged moral courage and risk-taking, and Sall positioned himself as a bridge-builder focused on restoring global trust.

Some controversies have surfaced, including criticism of Bachelet’s stance on women’s rights by US lawmakers and protests surrounding Sall’s candidacy. The final decision will rest with the 15-member Security Council, followed by approval from the 193-member General Assembly.