The United States has called for a merit-based approach in the selection of the next United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, signaling a shift from the traditional practice of choosing candidates based on regional rotation. The announcement was made by US Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, during a Security Council meeting commemorating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations on UN Day.
A Shift from Regional Rotation
For decades, the selection of the UN Secretary-General has followed an informal tradition of regional rotation. Under this system, each of the world’s geographic regions takes turns providing the next Secretary-General. Following this precedent, Latin America and the Caribbean were expected to be the next region in line to provide a candidate. However, Ambassador Shea indicated that regional rotation should not be the sole guiding principle for selecting the next leader of the UN.
Instead, the United States is advocating for the next UN chief to be chosen primarily based on merit. Ambassador Shea emphasized that the process should allow for a wide and diverse pool of candidates, representing all regional groupings, without being constrained by the conventional rotation system. She made it clear that the focus should be on the qualifications and capabilities of candidates, rather than their regional background.
“We need to ensure that the process is truly merit-based, with the most qualified candidates coming from all parts of the world,” Shea stated during her speech. “The next Secretary-General should be someone who can lead the United Nations effectively in addressing global challenges and advancing peace and security for all.”
Calls for a Female Secretary-General
The announcement also comes amid increasing calls for a female candidate to be appointed as the next UN Secretary-General, which would be a historic first for the organization. While the UN has seen numerous female leaders in various roles within the organization, including heads of agencies and special envoys, the position of Secretary-General has always been held by men since the UN’s founding in 1945.
In recent years, advocates for gender equality have been vocal in urging that the next UN chief be a woman, citing the importance of representation at the highest levels of international governance. This push has gained momentum ahead of the upcoming selection process, especially as the current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, completes his second term in 2026.
The next Secretary-General will be selected next year, with the nomination process set to officially begin once the Presidents of both the General Assembly and the Security Council send joint letters to UN member states inviting nominations. While the nomination process is expected to involve candidates from all regions, there is growing anticipation that the call for a female Secretary-General could influence the pool of candidates.
A Highly Competitive Selection Process
The race for the next UN Secretary-General is expected to be highly competitive, with numerous countries likely to put forward their candidates. The Security Council and the General Assembly, comprising all 193 member states, play key roles in the selection process, although the final decision must be made by the Security Council, which recommends a candidate for approval by the General Assembly.
Ambassador Shea’s comments reflect a broader shift in the approach to leadership at the UN, where there has been growing support for more inclusive and transparent decision-making processes. While the US push for merit-based selection may challenge the traditional regional rotation system, it is part of a broader trend in international diplomacy that prioritizes effectiveness and leadership qualities over geographic considerations.
Global Reactions and Implications
The US position has sparked mixed reactions within the international community. Some have welcomed the call for a more open and merit-based process, arguing that leadership positions at the UN should be filled by the most qualified individuals, regardless of their regional background. Others, however, have expressed concern that abandoning the rotation system could undermine the balance of power within the UN, potentially sidelining smaller or less represented regions in the selection process.
Latin American countries, in particular, may be sensitive to the shift away from the regional rotation system, as they had anticipated that the next Secretary-General would come from their region. However, the call for a more open and merit-based selection process has also prompted discussions about the evolving role of the UN in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Looking Ahead: The Future of UN Leadership
As the search for the next UN Secretary-General gets underway, the process will likely be shaped by both the merits of the candidates and the broader political dynamics within the UN. The question of whether the next Secretary-General will be a woman, and how merit-based selection will affect the final choice, will dominate the discussion in the months ahead.
For now, the United States’ call for a more inclusive and merit-focused selection process is a significant shift in the UN’s leadership tradition. As the 80th anniversary of the United Nations underscores, the organization must adapt to the changing demands of the international community, balancing tradition with the need for effective leadership in an increasingly complex world.
The appointment of the next Secretary-General will be a defining moment for the UN, reflecting not only the values of the member states but also the evolving priorities of global governance in the 21st century.