Michelle Bachelet Withdraws becoming UN Secretary-General

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Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the race to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, reducing the field of candidates seeking to replace António Guterres when his second term ends later this year.

Bachelet, 74, announced her decision on Sunday through a video message, bringing an end to her campaign for the world’s top diplomatic position.

Her withdrawal leaves seven candidates competing for the post, according to Reuters.

The next secretary-general will inherit an international organisation facing major challenges, including wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, disagreements between major powers, financial pressures and growing debates over artificial intelligence and global governance.

Michelle Bachelet ends campaign

Bachelet served as president of Chile twice and later became the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Her international experience had made her one of the most prominent figures in the race.

Her campaign focused heavily on multilateralism, international law and the role of international institutions at a time when the UN faces significant geopolitical divisions.

However, her campaign struggled to secure sufficient backing from members of the UN Security Council.

The Security Council plays a crucial role in the selection process because it must recommend a candidate to the General Assembly.

Five countries — the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom — hold permanent seats on the Security Council and possess veto powers.

Seven candidates remain

Bachelet’s withdrawal leaves seven contenders in the race.

Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan has emerged as one of the leading candidates following the latest informal consultations, according to Reuters.

Grynspan is the current secretary-general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and has previously served as vice-president of Costa Rica.

The remaining candidates come from different regions and diplomatic backgrounds, reflecting efforts to find a candidate who can secure sufficient support among the permanent members of the Security Council as well as the wider UN membership.

The process is expected to continue through diplomatic consultations before a final candidate is selected.

How the UN secretary-general is chosen

The secretary-general is formally appointed by the UN General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council.

Although the General Assembly formally makes the appointment, the Security Council’s role is crucial.

A candidate must avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members.

This means the process often involves extensive behind-the-scenes negotiations between major powers.

The successful candidate must also be able to work with governments holding very different political and strategic positions.

Guterres prepares to leave

António Guterres has served as UN secretary-general since January 2017.

His second five-year term ends on December 31, 2026.

His tenure has been dominated by major international crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza, climate change and growing geopolitical competition.

Guterres has repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation while warning that the existing global system is struggling to respond to modern challenges.

In recent comments, he has also highlighted artificial intelligence as an area requiring international safeguards.

A difficult time for the United Nations

The next secretary-general will take office at a particularly challenging moment.

The Security Council has frequently been divided over major conflicts, particularly where the interests of the United States, Russia and China clash.

The war in Ukraine has exposed deep divisions between Russia and Western governments.

The Middle East has presented another major challenge, with the conflict involving Israel, Iran and regional groups producing consequences for international security and global trade.

The UN has also faced financial difficulties.

The organisation relies heavily on contributions from member states, and disputes over funding have affected its ability to maintain some operations.

AI becomes a growing UN issue

Artificial intelligence is another issue likely to occupy the next secretary-general.

The technology is developing rapidly, while governments are still attempting to establish international rules governing its use.

AI has potential applications across healthcare, education, science and business, but governments are also debating concerns involving privacy, cybersecurity, employment and misinformation.

Guterres has called for international cooperation on AI governance.

The next secretary-general will therefore face pressure to help establish international frameworks around technologies that are developing faster than many existing regulatory systems.

The developing selection process

The selection of the next secretary-general is expected to continue over the coming months.

Candidates will need to build support among the five permanent Security Council members while also demonstrating that they can command broad support across the UN’s 193 member states.

The process is traditionally diplomatic and can involve several rounds of informal consultations.

The identity of the eventual secretary-general could influence the UN’s approach to conflicts, development, climate change and international cooperation during the next five years.

Why the decision matters

The secretary-general does not have the power of a national president or prime minister.

However, the position carries significant diplomatic influence.

The secretary-general can mediate between governments, raise international concerns, appoint senior UN officials and represent the organisation during major global crises.

The office also serves as a prominent platform for issues such as climate change, poverty, human rights and international peace and security.

With major conflicts continuing and international cooperation under pressure, the next UN leader will inherit an exceptionally demanding diplomatic agenda.

Bachelet’s withdrawal marks an important change in the contest.

Her departure leaves a smaller field and shifts attention towards the remaining candidates, particularly as governments begin negotiating over who can secure the necessary support.

The Security Council will ultimately recommend one candidate to the General Assembly, which is expected to formally appoint the successor to António Guterres before his term ends on December 31.