Public hearings for candidates for the 2027-2031 term of the UN Secretary-General will begin on April 21, 2026, and elections will take place in July 2026. Current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' term ends on December 31, 2026. Four candidates, Michelle Bachelet, Rebeca Grynspan, Rafael Grossi and Macky Sall, will present their programs and bring reform proposals to increase the UN's effectiveness.
Michelle Bachelet, former president of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, advocates for making the UN more efficient and transparent through structural reforms. Rebeca Grynspan focuses on strengthening the UN's conflict prevention role and tackling the root causes of crises. Rafael Grossi proposes innovations in the UN's functioning, such as digitalization and better coordination. Macky Sall stresses the need to increase the Security Council's representativeness and strengthen multilateralism.
The candidates' hearings will be held online, and each will share their vision for the challenges facing the UN. This process is seen as an important step in shaping the future leadership of the UN.