Seven candidates contest race to succeed UN chief Guterres

Seven candidates are competing to become the next United Nations Secretary-General as António Guterres prepares to leave office on 31 December, bringing close to a decade of leadership to an end.

The selection process will involve informal polls before the Security Council makes a formal recommendation, with the successful candidate expected to assume office on 1 January 2027.

The race to lead the world's foremost international organisation is among the most consequential diplomatic contests of the coming year, with the new chief set to inherit a global agenda marked by conflict, climate pressures and institutional reform demands.