Gender, geography and powerbroking in play in race for next UN chief

Gender, geography and powerbroking in play in race for next UN chief

By Daniel Dickinson 17 April 2026

UN AffairsThe choice of the tenth UN Secretary-General, who will take office in January 2027, could shape global diplomacy, the response to crises across the world and the direction of the multilateral system for the next decade.

Why it mattersThe major questions going into the process which is now underway are:Which country will the next UN chief come from?Will a woman be chosen to lead the Organisation for the first time?How will the five Permanent Members of the Security Council overcome their political differences in an increasingly fractured world?A quick reminder about the role of Secretary-GeneralThe Secretary-General, or SG as the role is often referred to by UN insiders, is the UN’s chief administrative officer and top diplomat and is tasked with the following: Leads the UN Secretariat and global operations Brings issues threatening international peace to the UN Security Council Acts as a mediator, advocate and public voice on global crises Implements decisions of Member States

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