Five prominent figures have emerged as reported candidates to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary-General when his second term concludes at the end of 2026. The potential contenders, according to diplomatic sources, are Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Macky Sall, former President of Senegal; Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); and Virginia Gamba, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.
The selection process for the next UN chief is expected to intensify throughout 2026, with the UN Security Council conducting straw polls before making a formal recommendation to the 193-member General Assembly for approval. The role requires navigating complex global challenges, including ongoing conflicts, climate change, and sustainable development goals.
While no official candidates have been formally nominated by their member states as of early April 2026, these individuals are widely discussed in diplomatic circles. The final decision will hinge on regional considerations—with growing calls for the next secretary-general to come from Eastern Europe—and the candidates' perceived ability to build consensus among the world's major powers.
