UN secretary-general race: What it takes to be the world’s top diplomat

UN secretary-general race: What it takes to be the world’s top diplomat Submitted by Sondos Asem on Mon, 07/20/2026 - 12:27 The organisation is about to get a new leader as it comes under renewed criticism from the US and Israel The UN will decide on a new secretary-general to replace Antonio Guterres, pictured here at UN HQ in New York in September 2024 (AFP) On They command no army, run no country and cannot force a government to take action - but the role of secretary-general of the United Nations is still one of the most important on the world stage. Successive occupants of the post have helped avert wars, shaped peace agreements and defined how the world responds to humanitarian crises. Current incumbent Antonio Guterres , a former Portuguese prime minister, completes his second five-year term on 31 December.