UN Secretary-General Candidates to Debate Ahead of Selection

Six candidates are vying to become the next United Nations secretary-general, participating in a televised debate on Thursday in the General Assembly Hall at 5:00 pm (2100 GMT). The candidates are Michelle Bachelet from Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa from Ecuador, Rafael Grossi from Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan from Costa Rica, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett from Guyana, and Macky Sall from Senegal.

This debate occurs one week before the formal selection process begins, which is crucial for an organization facing a financial and confidence crisis. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized the importance of this event, stating it offers a rare opportunity to engage with the candidates' visions.

The candidates have already undergone three hours of questioning from UN member states, focusing on organizational reforms and peace efforts. The first closed-door vote by the Security Council is scheduled for July 30, where candidates will need nine votes without a veto from any of the five permanent members to advance.