In New York, lengthy hearings took place during which the main candidates for the position of UN Secretary-General presented their visions for the future of the organization.
According to the news agency Reuters, the candidates to replace Antonio Guterres are Rafael Grossi (Argentina), head of the IAEA, Michelle Bachelet (Chile), Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica), and Macky Sall (Senegal). During the interviews, the candidates answered questions from delegations aimed at assessing their suitability for the role of the world's chief diplomat.
In his speech, Rafael Grossi openly acknowledged the existence of "huge doubts" about the UN's ability to address contemporary global issues. He emphasized the organization's loss of legitimacy on the world stage and stated the need for the UN chief's personal presence in conflict zones. According to a press release from the UN General Assembly, all candidates confirmed their commitment to the three pillars of the organization: international security, human rights, and promoting development.
Michelle Bachelet, who has served as Chile's president twice, emphasized the need for dialogue and the physical presence of the Secretary-General "on the ground" to prevent crises. At the same time, Rebeca Grynspan expressed the UN's readiness for institutional risks, noting that the organization has lacked the courage to take responsibility during periods of international turmoil.
