Relevance: IR (GS-2); Source: Indian Express, UN documents

UN Begins Process to Select the Next Secretary-General

The process to select the next United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) for a five-year term beginning in 2027 has formally begun. The Security Council and the General Assembly have jointly invited nominations from UN member states.

UN Secretary-General: Role & Election Process

• The UNSG is the chief administrative officer of the UN and a key global diplomat.
• Nomination: Any UN member state may nominate a candidate.
• Rotation: Traditionally rotates by region; this time, Latin America is informally considered.
• Security Council’s Role:
  • Conducts straw polls to test support.
  • Five permanent members (US, Russia, China, UK, France) must avoid using their veto.
  • Recommends one name to the General Assembly.
• General Assembly: Formally appoints the recommended candidate (usually by consensus).

India’s Interest

• India advocates reform of the UN system, including greater transparency in UNSG selection.
• Views leadership change as an opportunity to push for:
  • More voice for the Global South,
  • Progress on Security Council reforms,
  • Stronger focus on development and peacebuilding.
• Supports merit-based selection rather than strict regional rotation.

About the United Nations

Established in 1945, the UN is a 193-member global body aimed at maintaining peace, fostering cooperation, and promoting development. Key organs include:

• UN Security Council
• General Assembly
• ECOSOC
• International Court of Justice
• Secretariat

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Q. Which of the following statements about the election of the UN Secretary-General is/are correct?

1. The General Assembly can appoint any candidate even without a Security Council recommendation.
2. A veto by any permanent member of the Security Council can block a candidate.
3. Only countries from the region “whose turn it is” may nominate a candidate.

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only