The United Nations’ next leader—who will serve a five-year term beginning 1January 2027—will be elected later this year, as outgoing Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to leave office.
So far, four candidates have emerged in the race to become the UN’s 10th secretary-general: Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, Michelle Bachelet, and Macky Sall. Each campaign reflects a different approach to multilateral diplomacy as the UN faces mounting conflicts, strained budgets, and demands for reform.
Rafael Grossi (Argentina) 65, is director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Over the past six years, he has become a prominent figure in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, including efforts to salvage parts of a major deal after the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
Grossi’s supporters point to his shuttle diplomacy during international crises and his role in securing an IAEA presence at Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia plant. Critics, however, argue he has pushed too aggressively on talks with Iran.
Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica) 70, heads the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and portrays herself as a reform-minded multilateralist.
A former vice president of Costa Rica, she says she stepped back from certain duties until September to avoid conflicts of interest during the campaign.
If elected, she would become the first woman to lead the UN. She has framed her candidacy around modernisation and defending the UN’s core values.
Michelle Bachelet (Chile) 74, is a former two-time president of Chile and previously served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
She also led UN Women from 2010 to 2013. Chile withdrew its backing after a right-wing shift in government earlier this year, though Bachelet says she would continue relying on support from Brazil and Mexico. Her campaign has drawn criticism from U.S. conservatives, including over her stance on abortion and what some critics describe as shortcomings in her human-rights reporting regarding China.
Macky Sall (Senegal) 64 served as Senegal’s president for 12 years until 2024. He emphasizes his experience as a head of state and highlights infrastructure achievements during his tenure, along with support for African development.
He has called for addressing debt burdens in developing countries and advocates an overhaul of the Security Council—reflecting broader calls from developing nations for greater representation. His candidacy has reportedly faced mixed backing within Africa.
Asaase 99.5 Accra, Asaase 98.5 Kumasi, Asaase 99.7 Tamale, Asaase 100.3 Cape Coast, AsaasePa 107.3 (Accra).
Affiliates: Bawku FM 101.5, Bead FM 99.9 (Bimbilla), Mining City Radio 89.5 (Tarkwa), Nandom FM 101.9, Nyatefe Radio 94.5 (Dzodze), Sissala Radio 96.3 (Tumu), Somuaa FM 89.9 (Gushegu), Stone City 90.7 (Ho) and Wale FM 106.9 (Walewale).
Listen online: atlanticafricanews.com/, Sound Garden and TuneIn.
Follow us:
X: @asaaseradio995, @Asaase985ksi, @Asaase997tamale, @asaase1003, asaasepa1073
Instagram: asaaseradio99.5, asaase985ksi, asaase100.3, asaase99.7tamale, asaasepa107.3
LinkedIn: company/asaaseradio995. TikTok: @asaaseradio99.5
Facebook: asaase99.5, asaase985ksi, Asaase100.3, asaase99.7, AsaasePa107.3.
YouTube: AsaaseRadioXtra.
Join the conversation. Accra: call 020 000 9951/054 888 8995, WhatsApp 020 000 0995. Kumasi: call 059 415 7985 or call/WhatsApp 020 631 5260. Tamale: call/WhatsApp/SMS 053 554 6468. Cape Coast: call/WhatsApp 059 388 2652.
#AsaaseRadio
#AsaasePa
#TheVoiceofOurLand
