The race to lead the United Nations entered an important phase as candidates for the next Secretary-General participated in a public Town Hall at UN Headquarters. The event brought together representatives of UN Member States, civil society organizations, journalists, and UN staff, creating a rare opportunity for the public to hear directly from those seeking the organization’s highest office.

The Town Hall forms part of the broader selection process designed to promote transparency, accountability, and dialogue in choosing the next leader of the United Nations. Rather than relying solely on closed diplomatic discussions, the event allowed candidates to explain their priorities, leadership philosophies, and visions for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

A More Transparent Selection Process

The position of UN Secretary-General is among the most influential leadership roles in global governance. The officeholder serves as the chief administrative officer of the United Nations while also acting as a diplomat, mediator, and advocate for international peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights.

In recent selection cycles, the United Nations has taken steps to make the appointment process more open. Public Town Hall meetings have become an important feature, allowing Member States and global audiences to evaluate candidates beyond formal diplomatic negotiations.

During the session, each candidate responded to questions covering international security, climate action, humanitarian crises, gender equality, economic development, institutional reform, and the future direction of multilateral cooperation.

Addressing Global Challenges

Candidates discussed how the United Nations should respond to an increasingly complex international landscape marked by armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, humanitarian emergencies, economic uncertainty, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.

Many emphasized the need for stronger diplomacy and preventive action to reduce conflicts before they escalate. Others highlighted the importance of rebuilding trust among nations and strengthening international cooperation despite growing political divisions.

The discussion also focused on protecting vulnerable populations, improving humanitarian assistance, and ensuring that the UN remains effective in responding to emergencies around the world.

Questions from Member States

Representatives of UN Member States questioned candidates on how they would manage relations among major powers while maintaining the independence and impartiality expected of the Secretary-General.

Several questions explored approaches to improving peacekeeping operations, supporting conflict mediation, strengthening international law, and enhancing cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations.

Candidates were also asked about balancing the priorities of developed and developing countries while advancing the goals of the UN Charter.

Civil Society Voices Included

A distinctive feature of the Town Hall was the participation of civil society organizations, which raised issues affecting communities worldwide.

Questions addressed topics such as:

• Climate justice
• Human rights protection
• Women’s leadership
• Youth participation
• Digital governance
• Artificial intelligence
• Refugee protection
• Sustainable development
• Accountability within international institutions

Candidates outlined how they would engage more closely with non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and young people if selected as Secretary-General.

UN Staff Raise Internal Priorities

Employees from across the United Nations system also had an opportunity to question candidates about internal management and institutional reform.

Topics included workplace diversity, staff safety in conflict zones, organizational efficiency, budget management, ethics, transparency, and modernizing the UN to meet evolving global challenges.

Candidates generally agreed that supporting staff and improving institutional effectiveness are essential to maintaining the credibility and operational capacity of the organization.

Vision for the Future

Throughout the Town Hall, candidates presented their visions for the future of the United Nations.

Common priorities included:

• Strengthening multilateral diplomacy
• Accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Expanding climate action
• Enhancing conflict prevention
• Supporting vulnerable nations
• Improving humanitarian coordination
• Promoting inclusive economic growth
• Defending international law

While each candidate offered different approaches, many stressed that global problems increasingly require collective international solutions rather than unilateral action.

Importance of the Secretary-General’s Role

The UN Secretary-General serves not only as the organization’s chief administrator but also as one of the world’s leading diplomatic figures.

Responsibilities include:

• Promoting international peace and security
• Supporting negotiations during conflicts
• Coordinating humanitarian responses
• Advocating for human rights
• Advancing sustainable development
• Representing the United Nations on the global stage

The position often requires balancing the interests of 193 Member States while maintaining the principles established in the UN Charter.

What Happens Next?

Following the Town Hall, consultations among Member States will continue as the selection process moves forward. The appointment involves recommendations from the United Nations Security Council, followed by approval from the United Nations General Assembly.

Although diplomatic negotiations remain central to the final decision, public engagement through Town Hall meetings provides greater visibility into the candidates’ qualifications, leadership styles, and policy priorities.

Why the Town Hall Matters

The public Town Hall reflects the United Nations’ broader commitment to openness and accountability. By allowing candidates to answer questions from governments, civil society, and UN personnel, the process gives stakeholders a clearer understanding of how each contender would approach the challenges facing the international community.

As the organization prepares to choose its next Secretary-General, these discussions offer valuable insight into competing visions for the future of global cooperation, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and international governance.