The United States has signalled its support for the possibility of a woman becoming the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, adding fresh momentum to the race to lead the global body after Antonio Guterres completes his second term later this year.

The statement comes as the UN begins selecting its next chief, with seven candidates currently in contention, including five women. If elected, the successful candidate would become the first woman to hold the organisation’s highest office in its 80-year history.

US Signals Openness to Female UN Chief

A senior US diplomat said there is no reason why a woman should not be chosen as the next UN Secretary-General, stressing that Washington is taking the selection process seriously.

American officials said the choice of the next UN leader is a major international decision and confirmed they have already met several candidates as part of the evaluation process.

The United States also indicated that its diplomatic teams at the UN and in Washington are closely examining the qualifications of those seeking the position.

Seven Candidates in the Race

The contest for the UN’s top post currently features seven candidates from different regions of the world.

Among the leading female contenders are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, UN Conference on Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, former UN General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa, former UN official Virginia Gamba, and Guyana’s UN ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett.

The two male candidates include International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi and former Senegal President Macky Sall.

Historic Opportunity for Women

Since the United Nations was founded in 1945, every Secretary-General has been a man. The growing number of female candidates has revived calls for gender equality in one of the world’s most influential diplomatic positions.

Last year, the UN General Assembly acknowledged that no woman has ever served as Secretary-General and encouraged member states to seriously consider nominating female candidates for the role.

The upcoming appointment is widely viewed as an opportunity to break that long-standing tradition.

How the UN Secretary-General Is Chosen

The Secretary-General is appointed by the 193-member UN General Assembly after receiving a recommendation from the UN Security Council.

The Security Council’s five permanent members—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China—hold veto powers, making their support crucial during the selection process.

Although there is no official regional rotation system, many diplomats believe the next Secretary-General should come from Latin America, increasing attention on several candidates from the region.

Antonio Guterres Set to Complete Final Term

Current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will finish his second five-year term in December 2026.

Since taking office in 2017, Guterres has overseen the organisation through multiple global crises, including conflicts, climate challenges and economic instability.

His departure marks the beginning of a new chapter for the United Nations, with member states expected to decide on his successor in the coming months.

US Wants Stronger and More Effective UN

While Washington has criticised parts of the United Nations over efficiency and duplication of work, it continues to support several UN agencies that play key humanitarian and development roles.

US officials highlighted organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF as examples of agencies making meaningful contributions worldwide.

The United States said it remains committed to working with effective UN institutions while pushing for improvements across the broader organisation.

What Happens Next?

The race for the next UN Secretary-General is expected to intensify as member states continue consultations and candidates seek international backing.

With growing support for gender representation and several experienced women already in contention, the upcoming selection could become one of the most significant leadership decisions in the UN’s history.

FAQs

1. Has the US officially endorsed a specific candidate for UN Secretary-General?

No. The United States has not backed any individual candidate but has expressed support for the possibility of a woman leading the United Nations.

2. Who is the current UN Secretary-General?

Antonio Guterres currently serves as UN Secretary-General and will complete his second term in December 2026.

3. How many candidates are contesting for the post?

There are seven candidates in the race, including five women and two men.

4. Has a woman ever served as UN Secretary-General?

No. Since the United Nations was established in 1945, the organisation has never had a woman as Secretary-General.

5. Who selects the UN Secretary-General?

The UN General Assembly appoints the Secretary-General based on a recommendation from the UN Security Council.

6. Why is the Security Council important in the selection process?

Its five permanent members have veto powers, making their approval essential for any candidate.

7. Which regions are considered likely to produce the next UN chief?

Many diplomats believe Latin America is likely to be considered, although there is no formal regional rotation rule.

8. Why is this election considered historic?

The current race includes multiple experienced female candidates, creating the strongest possibility yet of electing the first woman to lead the United Nations.

9. What has the US said about the UN?

The US has called for greater efficiency within the UN while continuing to support agencies it believes perform important humanitarian and development work.

10. When will the next UN Secretary-General take office?

The next Secretary-General is expected to assume office after Antonio Guterres’ term ends in December 2026.