No clear winner in the debate for UN Secretary-General
The debate takes place at a moment of crisis of relevance for the organization, which also suffers financial problems
WashingtonThe race to decide who will be the new UN Secretary-General when António Guterres's mandate ends in December has already begun. In an attempt to spark general interest, the four women and two men who have presented their candidacies have taken part in a debate in the General Assembly. The little interest this process has generated among public opinion is a reflection of the organization's low point.
The election of the new Secretary-General also comes at a time when the UN is suffering financial problems due to the withdrawal of funds from the United States and with a tenant in the White House who has no problem downplaying the organization's role.
One of the main issues addressed during the 90 minutes of debate was how they would ensure, if elected, that the UN continues to be relevant in the peace process of the Iran war. The solution proposed by the different aspirants to the deadlock in the Security Council has been similar: insist, try to pass the vote as many times as necessary, and do not give up.
"One thing the Secretary-General cannot afford is not to try," said Guyana's UN Ambassador, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who recently presented her candidacy and received the most applause. Former Senegalese President Macky Sall, who is also vying for the position, argued: "The added value I could bring is to talk to everyone." Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet advocated for using the tools of the United Nations Charter and "building bridges between the conflicting parties."
Rebeca Grynspan, current Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA; and María Fernanda Espinosa, former Foreign Minister of Ecuador, have also expressed themselves in similar terms. Despite the desire to emulate presidential debates, usually marked by confrontation and recriminations, the interventions of the aspirants for UN Secretary-General have been orderly, measured, and very similar.
The Security Council is expected to reach an agreement on the future UN leader in the coming months and present a recommendation to the General Assembly before Guterres's mandate ends, his second term concluding on December 31, 2026.