New Delhi, June 16: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) conducted its fifth discussion regarding candidates for the next Secretary-General, with Fernanda Espinosa officially presenting her candidacy.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the former President of the UNGA and Ecuador’s former Foreign and Defense Minister, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, nominated by Antigua and Barbuda in May, shared her insights during the dialogue held on Monday. She addressed questions related to leadership skills, experience, and capabilities of UN member states and civil society representatives, as well as issues concerning UN reform and its three pillars: peace and security, human rights, and development.
Espinosa stated that she aspires to lead the UN at a time when the world needs not just a reiteration of multilateral ideals but also tangible outcomes. She envisions a United Nations that can prevent crises proactively, respond more effectively, operate in a more impactful manner, and restore faith in the importance of collective action.
Her vision is organized around five interconnected pillars: peace and security, development, digital and energy transformation, reducing disparities, and rebuilding credibility.
Espinosa emphasized, “This is not a detailed and comprehensive action plan, as broad political and financial leadership must come from member states. Rather, it highlights areas where the Secretary-General can operate most effectively within their jurisdiction and restore the UN’s credibility and trust through results.”
At the end of April, the UNGA held a two-day interactive meeting with four candidates for the next UN chief. These included former Chilean President and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, nominated by Brazil and Mexico; current Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi, nominated by Argentina; former Senegalese President Macky Sall, nominated by Burundi; and economist and former Vice President of Costa Rica Rebecca Grynspan, nominated by Costa Rica.
The current and ninth Secretary-General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, will conclude his term at the end of this year. The next Secretary-General is set to take office on January 1, 2027.
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