Hey global citizens! 🌍 On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the United Nations officially launched the search for its next secretary-general, set to step in on January 1, 2027. Annalena Baerbock, president of the UN General Assembly, and Michael Imran Kanu, president of the UN Security Council for November, sent a joint letter kicking off the process.
The letter stresses that the next UN chief needs top-notch efficiency, strong leadership, diplomatic skills and multilingual fluency. In a historic move, the UN is urging Member States to submit women candidates for the first time ever — a big leap for gender equality in senior decision-making roles! 🚀👩💼
Transparency is key: nominees must hand in a vision statement and disclose their funding sources right away. All names will be public, and candidates will join livestreamed Q&A sessions so everyone can see their ideas and plans in action. 📺✨
The Security Council will start its selection rounds in late July 2026 and then recommend a candidate to the General Assembly. Early nominations are encouraged to keep the process smooth and engaging.
“The world is looking to the next UN chief to provide strong leadership that will render the organization fit for the future,” said Baerbock. With Antonio Guterres finishing his second term at the end of 2026, the countdown is on! ⏳
Follow along as this global leadership contest unfolds and stay tuned for all the updates! 🌐
Reference(s):
UN formally launches selection process for next secretary-general
cgtn.com
