The next UN Secretary‑General will set the UN's priorities and diplomatic tone for the next five‑year term.

Decisions on peacekeeping mandates, climate and development agendas, and relations with major powers affect billions and shape how member states cooperate or clash.

David Choquehuanca, Rebeca Grynspan, Bruno Donat, and Jacinda Ardern headline the list of prominent candidates.

Also running or discussed are Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, Vuk Jeremić, Mia Mottley, Michelle Bachelet, Colombe Cahen‑Salvador, Rafael Grossi, Alicia Bárcena, Kristalina Georgieva, Amina Mohammed, and Achim Steiner.

Security Council straw polls, a P5 veto, and the informal consensus process determine which candidate reaches a General Assembly endorsement.

Member states' priorities on UN reform, climate, peace operations, regional balance, and a candidate's multilateral track record shift support quickly.

Watch for formal Security Council straw-poll rounds and any explicit P5 statements of support or opposition in the months before the vote.

Also track candidate travel, endorsements from key regional blocs, high‑profile speeches, UN General Assembly scheduling, and any surprise withdrawals or late compromises.