Six candidates competing to lead the United Nations take part in a televised debate at the UN General Assembly Hall, ahead of a formal selection process. Reports say the candidates present their visions for the world body during a one-day event held about a week before the next stage of the selection timeline. The debate includes questions directed to the candidates by a panel drawn from diplomats, UN employees and civil society representatives, with the questioning lasting about 90 minutes.
UN officials and media coverage note that the session is being broadcast, including by Bloomberg, and described as a rare opportunity for audiences to hear the candidates’ ideas, priorities and leadership approach. The candidates named across reports are Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Senegal’s Macky Sall. The discussions come as the UN faces a period of deep institutional and leadership challenges, and one week before the formal start of the process to choose the next top UN leader.
