On Thursday 30 July, the UN Security Council conducted its first ‘straw poll’, indicating the level of support for each Secretary-General candidate. Rebeca Grynspan received the highest number of “encourage” votes (10), followed by Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (9) and Rafael Grossi (7).

On 28 July, the President of the UN Security Council, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, announced that straw polls scheduled for the 30 July would go ahead, and that late entrant to the Secretary-General race, Olara Otunnu, would be included on the ballot papers. 

The 1 for 8 Billion campaign’s new report today shedding light on the secretive process by which powerful countries attempt to strike deals with Secretary-General candidates in exchange for their support

During Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett’s informal dialogue, Denmark—on behalf of the ACT Group—asked Ms. Rodrigues Birkett whether she was willing to uphold 1 for 8 Billion’s Principles for Integrity in UN Secretary-General Campaigns. Ms. Rodrigues Birkett responded yes.

At a public event in London, all participating candidates were asked whether they would commit to the Principles for Integrity. Three of the candidates responded yes: Michelle Bachelet, María Fernanda Espinosa, and Rebeca Grynspan. 

During a recent civil society event in London, Secretary-General candidate Michelle Bachelet made news by announcing her support for the next Secretary-General to serve only one term in office. 

1 for 8 Billion Global South campaign partners have published comparative research analysing the institutional and systemic conditions facing the next UN Secretary-General selection. 

Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Ms. Espinosa of Ecuador as a candidate to be the next UN Secretary-General.

A useful route for a member state to indicate support for a candidate is by adding its backing as a ‘co-nominator’ for their preferred candidate. This option has the advantage over straw polls in that it could be led organically by member states and would be formally recorded on the candidate page of the UN’s website.

Following last month’s candidate hearings in the General Assembly, and ahead of the Security Council’s deliberations on candidates expected to begin in July, there is a window of opportunity for the General Assembly to express its views on candidates. This explainer outlines three options.