Seven candidates vying for the position of United Nations Secretary-General recently participated in a World Governments Summit (WGS) Dialogue. The virtual event, titled ‘The Future of Global Leadership,’ brought together former presidents, international officials, and ambassadors to debate the future of multilateralism, focusing on calls for UN reform, stronger global partnerships, and more proactive strategies to address international crises.
The Candidates Included:
- Macky Sall, Former President of the Republic of Senegal
- Michelle Bachelet, Former President of the Republic of Chile
- Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
- María Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
- Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Guyana to the United Nations
- Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Ivonne A-Baki, Former Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to the State of Qatar, the Republic of France, and the United States of America
Key Themes and Candidate Perspectives
A central theme of the dialogue was the urgent need to reform the United Nations while preserving its indispensable role as the primary platform for international cooperation. Discussions also touched on global leadership, the impact of technological change, and the multifaceted challenges facing governments and the international system.
Calls for UN Reform and Bridge-Building
Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted that there is “no alternative to the United Nations” and affirmed that reform is achievable. She stressed that the Secretary-General should prioritize building bridges between member states, regional organizations, global companies, and institutions, with a focus on peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights.
Multipolarity, Multilateralism, and Trust
Rebeca Grynspan acknowledged multipolarity as a global reality but asserted that multilateralism remains a conscious choice. She cautioned that without multilateral cooperation, multipolarity could lead to dangerous fragmentation. Grynspan advocated for stronger partnerships, enhanced trust among member states, and increased multilateral financing for development initiatives.
Development as a Peace Strategy
Macky Sall proposed treating development as a crucial peace strategy, arguing that persistent poverty is fundamentally incompatible with peace. He urged the UN to rebuild trust and become more effective and agile in its responses to escalating geopolitical tensions.
Anticipating Crises and Representative Leadership
Michelle Bachelet called for a renewal of multilateralism to enable the UN to anticipate crises rather than merely reacting to them. She emphasized the need for the organization to become more representative, fair, and effective, with a greater focus on prevention, diplomacy, and collaborative partnerships. María Fernanda Espinosa asserted that the time has come for a woman to lead the United Nations, stating that reform should be measured by lives saved, children protected, and conflicts prevented.
Proactive Action and Tech Governance
Ivonne A-Baki advocated for a UN that “acts rather than reacts,” drawing attention to the growing influence of major technology companies. She stressed the necessity for stronger international cooperation, transparency, regulation, and corporate responsibility in the tech sector. Rafael Grossi underscored that international institutions must recognize the imperative for change, noting the prevalence of conflicts and fragmentation alongside critical challenges in health, energy, environment, climate, and food security.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
The dialogue also delved into the complex topic of artificial intelligence, including its governance, its potential role in development, and the critical need for robust cooperation among governments, international organizations, and leading technology companies.