As United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres approaches the end of his term, candidates are still seeking sufficient backing for their bids, France 24 reported Oct. 23.
Guterres’ term ends Dec. 31, 2026, and the next secretary-general’s term begins Jan. 1, 2027, according to UN records. Article 97 of the UN Charter sets out the sequence: the Security Council recommends a candidate, then the General Assembly appoints the successor.
A 2025 General Assembly resolution, A/RES/79/327, urged member states to give serious consideration to women nominees but did not require that the next secretary-general be a woman. EconoTimes previously covered the candidate field and selection process.
The Security Council’s recommendation must precede the Assembly appointment. The new term is due to begin Jan. 1, 2027.
