Candidates for UN General Secretary call for reforms and stronger human rights

GENEVA — Several candidates seeking to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations called for stronger protection of human rights, greater respect for international law, and wide-ranging reforms to strengthen the organization during a debate in Geneva on Tuesday.

Four of the five contenders to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term at the end of this year, presented their visions for the role. The debate came as the United Nations faces a deep financial crisis driven by reduced contributions from major humanitarian donors.

The organization is also dealing with about $4 billion in unpaid U.S. arrears, escalating global conflicts, and increasing violations of international law.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa said the moment demanded strong and transformative leadership.

“This moment calls for a renaissance Secretary-General, a Secretary-General capable of restoring the U.N.’s moral authority,” Espinosa said, adding that she supports the creation of an early action hub to respond to emerging conflicts more quickly.

Rebeca Grynspan, a former vice president of Costa Rica, emphasized the need for closer cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations to strengthen peace and security efforts.

Rebeca Grynspan said she entered the race because global peace is increasingly at risk and confidence in international institutions is declining.

“I am running because peace is in peril and trust in the U.N. and in international organizations is eroding,” she said.

Human rights took center stage in the remarks of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. After the debate, she said she would consider it an honor if her stance on women’s sexual and reproductive rights led to opposition from the United States.

Michelle Bachelet said human rights, including sexual and reproductive rights, must remain central to the United Nations’ agenda, adding that the Secretary-General must continue advancing existing U.N. agreements, including Beijing +20.

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall outlined a development-focused approach to global peacebuilding, delivered through a pre-recorded video message.

Macky Sall said the international system is increasingly fragmented and must be rebalanced by prioritizing development.

“We must win the battle of development by promoting jobs for youth, women, investment, infrastructure, climate justice, and fair access to finance,” Sall said.

The fifth candidate, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, did not submit a video message during the debate.

The United Nations continues to face mounting pressure to reform its operations amid financial strain, geopolitical divisions, and growing demands for more effective global governance. -Reporting by Olivia Le PoidevinEditing by Tomasz Janowski/Reuters