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Security Council holds informal dialogues with United Nations secretary-general candidates; sets draw call for July 30
Summary
Between July 7 and July 9, 2026, Security Council members held informal dialogues with three United Nations secretary-general candidates — Makisal (Burundi), Rafael Mariano Grossi (Argentina) and Carolyn Rodriguez Birkett (Guyana) — said one remaining candidate’s hearing will be on July 27, and confirmed a draw call on July 30.
The Security Council held informal dialogues with three candidates for United Nations secretary-general between July 7 and July 9, 2026, and confirmed a schedule to complete the remaining steps in the selection process.
The Security Council moderator said the council heard from mister Makisal (presented by the Republic of Burundi), miss Rafael Mariano Grossi (presented by Argentina) and miss Carolyn Rodriguez Birkett (presented by Guyana), and that each candidate "presented their views on the challenges and opportunities faced by the United Nations." The moderator added that each session included an interactive exchange with council members.
Why it matters: The secretary-general is the United Nations' chief administrative officer and a focal point for international diplomacy. The Security Council’s recommendation is a key step before the General Assembly appoints the next secretary-general, and the council said it will follow Article 97 of the UN Charter and a joint letter dated 11/25/2025 from the presidents of the General Assembly and the Security Council to guide a transparent, inclusive and timely process.
On the format of the dialogues, a questioner asked, "Doctor, can you describe the the nature of the interactions?" The Security Council moderator replied that "there was a lot of question" and that "each member of a council has 1 or 2 questions of clarification" on the challenges the United Nations faces, adding that the candidates explained how they would address those challenges.
The moderator confirmed there is one remaining candidate (referred to as Espinosa in the session) and said the hearing for that person is scheduled for July 27. On scheduling, the moderator stated, "It will be on the 30 of, July," confirming the first draw call date has not changed.
The council said it plans to make its recommendation to the General Assembly in a timely manner to allow the incoming secretary-general sufficient time to prepare for the office. No formal vote or appointment was recorded during these informal dialogues; the exchanges were described as part of the council’s selection process.
