Four candidates seeking to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations faced intense questioning from member states in what has been described as one of the world’s toughest job interviews. Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan and Senegal’s Macky Sall outlined their visions for restoring peace, reducing poverty and reforming the more than 80-year-old institution. No clear frontrunner emerged, and additional candidates could still enter the race.

All four contenders emphasized the organization’s core pillars of peace, development and human rights, while acknowledging deep global divisions that have hampered action in major conflicts. They pledged to pursue reforms and rebuild trust in the institution’s leadership, with several stressing the need for the next secretary-general to be more visible in global crisis zones and more willing to take risks.

The race has not been without controversy. Bachelet addressed criticism from lawmakers in the United States over her stance on reproductive rights, while Sall faced both protests and allegations of corruption, which he denies. Although tradition suggests the role should rotate to Latin America, Sall argued that the charter does not restrict candidates by region.

The final decision will rest with the Security Council, particularly its five permanent members with veto power, before going to the General Assembly for approval. Observers say there is growing demand for a leader ready to act boldly and reassert the United Nations as a central player in resolving global crises.