What happens if the UN Security Council cannot recommend a Secretary-General?

Part of our series of explainers on the UN Secretary-General selection process.

***Download the report here***

If the Security Council is not able to reach agreement on a recommendation acceptable to the General Assembly by 31 December 2026, when Secretary-General António Guterres’ term expires, the UN will have to consider interim arrangements.

There is widespread confusion about what those interim arrangements could be. Based on historical precedents as well as the latest developments in the Secretary-General selection process, this briefing presents the different options available and analyses the challenges and opportunities associated with each.

The report was written by Strategy for Humanity’s Fred Carver and 1 for 8 Billion’s Ben Donaldson. It was edited by Plataforma CIPÓ’s Nycolas Candido and published in September 2026.