Lithuania takes active role in UN chief selection

Lithuania is actively participating in the selection process for the next United Nations secretary-general, the country’s Foreign Ministry said, according to LRT.

Antonio Guterres’s second term ends on December 31, and United Nations rules do not allow him to seek a third term.

“In assessing the candidates, we seek a new secretary-general who is prepared to strengthen the UN’s effectiveness, ensure compliance with international law, including the principles of the UN Charter, and give equal attention to peace and security, human rights and development,” the ministry told ELTA.

The ministry said consultations with candidates were focusing particularly on how the future secretary-general would strengthen the multilateral system and use political leadership and moral authority to prevent violations of international law.

Lithuania also expects the next secretary-general to consistently support efforts to ensure accountability for breaches of international law, including state responsibility for acts of aggression and individual criminal responsibility for international crimes, including the crime of aggression. The ministry said Lithuania attached particular importance to Russia and Belarus being held accountable for aggression against Ukraine.

Seven candidates nominated

Seven candidates have so far been nominated, although the list is not final and new nominations can still be submitted. They are Chilean candidate Michelle Bachelet, Ecuador’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Senegal’s Macky Sall and Uganda’s Olara Otunnu.

Under the tradition of geographical rotation, which is not always followed, Latin America is in line to provide the next UN secretary-general. Many countries are also calling for a woman to be appointed to the post for the first time.

Most candidates have highlighted the need to continue organisational reforms to improve the UN’s effectiveness and the importance of more active involvement by the secretary-general in peace efforts worldwide. Bachelet, a former president of Chile, is among the most frequently mentioned candidates.

The New York Post has reported that US President Donald Trump would prefer FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next UN secretary-general. The 56-year-old Swiss national has reportedly become a close friend of Trump while organising this year’s World Cup.

The UN is facing a deep financial and confidence crisis. Trump’s administration has accused the organisation of reckless spending, excessive fragmentation and a lack of satisfactory results. The United States is calling for a return to the UN’s core goals of peace and security, while other countries say human rights and development are equally important pillars.

Guterres has served as UN secretary-general since 2017.