Indonesia is advocating for a transparent and impartial selection process for the next United Nations Secretary-General, highlighting the importance of robust leadership to bolster multilateral cooperation amid global tensions. This call for integrity in the selection process comes in the wake of the seventh round of informal voting at the UN Security Council on October 30, which Indonesia is keenly observing.
Jakarta insists that the process should align with the UN Charter and uphold the principles of international cooperation. Emphasizing the need for a Secretary-General who can unite nations and promote respect for international law, Indonesia also stressed the necessity for reforms within the United Nations to strengthen the voices of developing countries in global decision-making.
Among the candidates emerging in the race is Lana Nusseibeh, nominated by the United Arab Emirates. Other notable contenders include Rebeca Grynspan, a former vice president of Costa Rica and current head of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, and Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Turkey has also put forward Feridun Sinirlioglu, currently the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
As the selection process remains unresolved with several candidates vying for the position, Indonesia underscores the need for the UN to deliver meaningful outcomes for its member states. The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will complete his term at the end of 2026, with his successor expected to assume office on January 1, 2027.