Four candidates for UN secretary-general audition this week. That’s far fewer than in 2016

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🗞️ Driving the news: Four candidates are formally presenting their visions this week to become the next leader of the United Nations, a significantly smaller field compared with the 13 contenders who competed when António Guterres was selected in 2016

🔭 The context: The candidates include former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, UN Trade and Development head Rebeca Grynspan, and former Senegalese president Macky Sall
• They will answer questions from ambassadors representing the UN’s 193 member states in a series of public “interactive dialogues.” 
• The process allows governments and observers to assess candidates’ positions on global conflicts, diplomacy and the future role of the UN

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The next UN secretary-general will play a key role in shaping global cooperation on climate policy, sustainable development and environmental protection
• The position is central to coordinating international responses to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and humanitarian crises

⏭️ What’s next: The final choice will ultimately depend on the United Nations Security Council, whose five permanent members, the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and France, hold veto power over the appointment before the full General Assembly confirms the selection

📈 One stat: The UN counts 193 member states, all of which participate in the General Assembly that formally appoints the secretary-general

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