Four Candidates Vie for UN Secretary-General

Four candidates, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and Macky Sall of Senegal, are undergoing public question-and-answer sessions to succeed António Guterres as the next United Nations Secretary-General. The United Nations faces unprecedented global instability, wars, and a severe budget crisis, with the United States withholding payments. The selection process, which includes public hearings for only the second time, is ultimately decided by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security_Council (United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France) who hold veto power. The United States, through its envoy Mike Waltz, has indicated that the next leader must align with 'American values and interests'. Candidates are pledging to restore trust and address the organization's challenges. Michelle Bachelet is backed by Mexico and Brazil, despite Chile withdrawing support under President José Antonio Kast. Rafael Grossi's work at the International===International Atomic Energy Agency has drawn scrutiny from the United States and Russia. Rebeca Grynspan is noted for her diplomatic success with the Black_Sea_Grain_Initiative. Macky Sall, the only non-Latin American candidate, lacks support from his home country, Senegal, and the African Union.