Next UN Chief Race Raises Prospect of First Woman Leader

Seven candidates, including women, are in the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general, according to an India Global Review update presented by Palki Sharma on October 21. The contest raises the possibility of the organisation choosing its first woman leader.

All nine secretaries-general in the UN’s more than 80-year history have been men. The update identifies the Security Council’s veto system as a major obstacle in choosing the next chief: under the selection process, the council recommends a candidate for appointment by the General Assembly, and a permanent member can block that recommendation.

The outlet’s description does not name the seven contenders or identify a veto threat against any particular candidate. It raises the possibility of another entrant without confirming one.