Who Will Be the Next Leader of the U.N.? Meet the Contenders

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly at U.N.

Headquarters in New York City on September 22, 2026. —Michael M.

Santiago—Getty Images With António Guterres ’s nearly decade-long tenure as the Secretary-General of the United Nations drawing to a close amid rising conflict around the globe, the race to succeed him as the leader of the world’s most powerful diplomatic body is already underway.

Guterres this week delivered his final address to the U.N.

General Assembly , in which he called for a greater focus on climate change, a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, “de-escalation and dialogue” in the Middle East, and regulations for artificial intelligence.

At the end of his speech, Guterres bid goodbye to a crowd filled with many diplomats and world leaders who he has worked with over his two five-year terms.

"So, on January 1st, when ​I am no longer Secretary-General, be sure of this.

Wherever I will be, whatever I will be doing, I will keep championing the conviction that peace is possible," he said.

"I will continue ​to stand up for the values of the United Nations Charter and I will never, ever give up.

Thank you." Guterres’s successor is set to step in as Secretary-General at a consequential moment for global diplomacy.

Research indicates that last year saw the highest number of active global conflicts since World War II and the greatest number of fatalities since the Rwandan genocide.

Tensions in other parts of the world are threatening to boil over.

Climate change is exacting a growing toll .

AI's development is prompting increasing alarm .