US Envoy: UN Chief Selection Must Prioritize Merit Over Tradition

Paolo Zampolli, the US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, stated on Tuesday that the selection of the next UN Secretary General should be based on merit, not on regional rotation or gender. Zampolli argued that these are merely "political traditions" and not "legal rules" stipulated by the UN Charter. "The world should choose the best person for the job – based on merit, reform and results," Zampolli declared on social media. "After 18 years at the United Nations, I believe this is a moment to think bigger about the future of the institution." The Security Council is tasked with selecting a successor to Secretary General Antonio Guterres, whose current term concludes on December 31. The Trump administration has thus far kept its preferences confidential, leading to uncertainty regarding its potential support in a race that currently features seven candidates. Among them are Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Argentina’s Rafael Grossi. Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan had been considered the front-runner, but recent indications suggest her support may be waning. In the fifth round of informal straw voting held on October 7, Ms. Grynspan garnered nine "encourage" votes and six "discourage" votes, with no council members abstaining. This outcome represented a decline from the previous round on September 29, when she secured 10 votes in favour, three against, and two abstentions. To secure the position, a candidate requires at least nine "encourage" votes in the Security Council, without a veto from any of the five permanent members: the US, Britain, France, Russia, and China. The selection process has historically been influenced by unwritten diplomatic conventions, including the expectation of regional rotation for the post. Since 1946, the role has been held by leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, though no formal rotation system is codified. Notably, the organization has never been led by a woman in its 81-year history, despite persistent calls from member states for greater female representation. The ultimate decision largely rests with the five permanent members of the Security Council, each possessing the authority to block a candidate irrespective of their overall support. Daniel Forti, head of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group, explained that the UN Charter provides only limited guidance on the selection process, requiring the Security Council to recommend an individual for appointment by the General Assembly. He noted that much of the process has evolved through modifications to council procedures and agreements with the General Assembly. The expectation of regional representation has developed over decades of diplomatic practice and non-binding General Assembly resolutions. A 1997 General Assembly resolution advocated for regional rotation and gender to be considered in the selection, while a 2015 resolution encouraged member states to nominate women. However, neither resolution is legally binding. Another long-standing convention has traditionally excluded citizens of the five permanent Security Council member states from holding the post, aiming to prevent undue influence by major powers. "Many other factors, whether the demand for regional rotation, the push for the UN to select its first woman secretary general, or commitments about the SG not being a P5 national, are all informal conventions," Forti stated. "They are not binding on the Security Council even if they weigh heavily in the court of public opinion." Forti clarified that the veto power is a distinct matter. "The UN Charter is indirect, but unequivocal, about the permanent members’ veto privileges in the Secretary General selection process," he said. "No one questions that the recommendation of a new UN leader is a substantive decision, so the permanent members’ veto authorities are inconvenient but undisputed."