Pakistan highlights UN chief’s role as ‘custodian of global norms’ with race for top post underway

UNITED NATIONS, Mar 09 (APP): As the United Nations moves forward with the process to select the next Secretary-General to succeed Antonio Guterres, Pakistan has underscored UN chief’s “custodian of global norms” task amid drastic erosion of the rules-based order.

“The Secretary-General must command the confidence of the broader membership, and serve as the voice of the vulnerable and the custodian of global norms,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in the General Assembly’s working group which discussed revitalization of the work of the 193-member body and the appointment of the secretary-general and heads of other key offices.

“The selection of the Secretary-General is among the most consequential decisions at the United Nations,” he said, pointing out that the world body’s leader directly shapes the credibility, the organization’s effectiveness and moral authority of the UN.

Secretary-General Guterres’ second five-year term ends on December 31, 2026.

So far four candidates are in the field — Rafael Grossi of Argentina, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Michelle Bachelet, a former president of Chile; Macky Sall, a former president of Senegal, and Rebeca Grynspan, a Costa Rican economist who is serving as Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The last date for countries to submit nominations is April 1, 2026, with interactive dialogues scheduled for the week of April 20.

The process — initiated on November 25, 2025 — involves transparent “interactive dialogues” where candidates present their visions.

At the same time, there is a strong push to break an 80-year male-dominated streak and elect the first female Secretary-General.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon said, “Pakistan appreciates greater women representation in the leadership roles.”

No post in the United Nations system should be regarded as the exclusive preserve of any member state, the Pakistani envoy said, adding that the principles of equitable geographical distribution, alongside the paramount criteria of efficiency, competence and integrity, must guide all senior appointments.

“The process must be guided by clearly defined timelines and a participatory approach, Ambassador Jadoon said.

Pakistan, he said underscores that the Assembly must continue to consolidate its role throughout the selection process, ensuring that it remains transparent, inclusive and member-state driven.

He welcomed the procedural improvements introduced in recent years, including vision statements, public disclosure of candidates’ campaign financing, language on conflict of interest, interactive dialogues and other transparency measures.

“Revitalization must deliver tangible outcomes and translate into measurable institutional strengthening of the Assembly,” the Pakistani envoy added.

APP/ift