UN Secretary-General

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that ongoing conflict in the Middle East is destabilizing global trade, energy markets, and food security, with 45 million people at risk of acute hunger. He praised a US-mediated agreement for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Gaza but urged immediate implementation of the plan.

Chad announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 27 July 2026, citing 'double-standard justice.' The withdrawal will take effect one year after formal notice is received by the UN Secretary-General. A US deputy secretary of state for African affairs had urged Chad to reconsider its ICC membership prior to the announcement.

Six candidates presented their visions for the UN as the organization faces a financial and confidence crisis ahead of a 2027 leadership selection. France 24's Kethevane Gorjestani provided insights on the candidates.

The United Nations is set to elect a new secretary-general to replace Antonio Guterres, who will complete his second five-year term on December 31. The role, defined by the UN Charter as the 'chief administrative officer,' has historically been filled by candidates from non-global powers, with the secretary-general mediating conflicts and advising the Security Council. The UN faces challenges to its authority amid renewed criticism from the US and Israel.

A deadly ambush in northern Mali killed at least 50 soldiers. Nigeria faces a new challenge as foreign fighters join jihadist groups. Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is supporting former President Macky Sall's bid for UN Secretary-General.

Senegal's former president Macky Sall returns home for the first time since leaving office in April 2024, linked to his bid to become UN secretary-general. Opponents argue the violence during his final months should disqualify him.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Russia’s deadly missile and drone attack on Kyiv and called for a ceasefire. Ukraine urged faster air defense deliveries and tougher sanctions on Moscow.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Haiti amid escalating gang violence that has displaced 1.5 million people and killed 2,300 this year. His visit included a stop at the headquarters of a new UN-backed gang-suppression force and a meeting with Prime Minister Alix Didier-Fils-Aimé, who faces pressure to hold elections.

A peace deal between the US-Israel and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, aims to end a three-and-a-half-month war. The agreement, confirmed by US President Donald Trump and Iran, will remove economic barriers like the Strait of Hormuz blockage and involve a signing in Geneva under Pakistan’s leadership.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised a reported ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, calling it a 'critical step' toward resolving the conflict through diplomacy. The deal includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for further negotiations, with both sides confirming its completion and the end of military operations.

The UN Secretary-General has appointed a Nigerian, Ms. Eziakonwa, as Special Adviser on Africa. She previously held positions in several African civil society organizations.

The EU and Germany summoned Russian diplomats to protest attacks on Kyiv and Moscow's order for diplomats to leave the city. The UN secretary-general also rebuked Russia during a session addressing global conflicts.

A 2026 analysis of the UN Secretary-General selection process reveals that despite reforms aimed at increasing transparency, decision-making power remains concentrated within the UN Security Council, particularly among its five permanent members.

The UN Secretary-General has called on all parties to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global trade. The UN is emphasizing the importance of maintaining open maritime routes in the region.