US Backs Woman for Next UN Secretary-General as Historic Race Gains Momentum

The United States has expressed support for the possibility of a woman becoming the next United Nations Secretary-General, saying there is "no reason" why a female candidate cannot lead the global organisation.

The statement comes as the race to succeed Antonio Guterres gathers momentum, with five women among seven declared candidates seeking to become the next head of the United Nations.

US Signals Support for Female UN Chief

Speaking at a press briefing in New York, US Ambassador Dan Negrea, the Alternate Representative of the United States to the UN General Assembly sessions, said Washington would support a woman for the top UN post.

"There is no reason why not," Negrea said when asked whether the next Secretary-General could be a woman.

He added that the United States considers the selection process an "extremely important matter" and is actively evaluating candidates for the position.

US Says It Is Closely Evaluating Candidates

According to Negrea, US officials have already met several candidates contesting the race.

He said the selection process is receiving significant attention from:

• The US Mission to the United Nations
• The US State Department
• Senior American diplomats, including US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz

Negrea noted that although Secretary of State Marco Rubio has not personally met the candidates, other senior officials have held discussions with them.

Who Are the Candidates?

Seven candidates have entered the race to succeed Antonio Guterres.

Women candidates include:

• Michelle Bachelet (Former President of Chile)
• Rebeca Grynspan (Secretary-General, UNCTAD)
• María Fernanda Espinosa (Former President of the UN General Assembly)
• Virginia Gamba (Former UN Under-Secretary-General)
• Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana's Permanent Representative to the UN)

Male candidates include:

• Rafael Grossi (Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency)
• Macky Sall (Former President of Senegal)

Why This Election Is Historic

The next Secretary-General will replace Antonio Guterres, whose second five-year term concludes in December 2026.

Despite the United Nations' 80-year history, no woman has ever served as Secretary-General.

Last year, the UN General Assembly acknowledged this gap and encouraged member states to nominate more female candidates for the organisation's top leadership role.

The upcoming election therefore presents the possibility of the UN appointing its first female Secretary-General.

How Is the UN Secretary-General Chosen?

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

The Security Council's five permanent members possess veto power:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• France
• Russia
• China

A candidate must secure Security Council backing before being approved by the General Assembly.

US Wants UN Reforms Alongside Leadership Change

Negrea acknowledged that Washington has criticised several aspects of the United Nations, including duplication of work and institutional inefficiencies.

However, he also emphasised that the US continues to support agencies that deliver meaningful results.

He cited organisations such as:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• UNICEF

The US official said Washington remains committed to working with effective UN institutions while continuing to push for reforms.

Key Highlights

• The US says it would support a woman becoming the next UN Secretary-General.
• Five women are among seven candidates contesting the race.
• Antonio Guterres' second term ends in December 2026.
• No woman has ever served as UN Secretary-General.
• The United States says it is actively evaluating candidates for the top UN position.

FAQs

Has the US officially endorsed a candidate?

No. The United States has not endorsed any individual candidate but has said it would support a woman serving as the next UN Secretary-General.

How many women are contesting the election?

Five women are among the seven declared candidates seeking to become the next UN Secretary-General.

Who is the current UN Secretary-General?

Antonio Guterres has served as UN Secretary-General since 2017 and will complete his second term in December 2026.

Has the United Nations ever had a female Secretary-General?

No. In the organisation's 80-year history, no woman has held the position of UN Secretary-General.

How is the UN Secretary-General selected?

The Secretary-General is appointed by the UN General Assembly based on the recommendation of the UN Security Council, whose five permanent members hold veto powers.