Chile Officially Nominates Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General Post

Chile Puts Forward Experienced Leader for Top UN Role

During the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font officially nominated former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet Jeria as a candidate to succeed current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The announcement signals Chile's strong endorsement of Bachelet for the international body's highest diplomatic position, which will become vacant at the end of 2026. Bachelet, who was present at the session, described the nomination as 'an honor' and reiterated her belief in the UN's fundamental role in fostering a more peaceful world.

Bachelet's Extensive Background and Boric's Vision

President Boric underscored Bachelet's distinguished career and suitability for the role, emphasizing her 'extensive experience' and a biography 'deeply coherent with the values that inspire this organization'. Her qualifications include:

• Serving two terms as Chile's president (2006–2010 and 2014–2018), making her the country's first female head of state.
• Being the first Executive Director of UN Women (2010–2013), a global champion for gender equality.
• Holding the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018–2022), where she advocated for human rights worldwide.

Boric's nomination also highlighted key considerations for the next Secretary-General. He argued that it is time for a candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, a region with a strong tradition of peace and diplomacy. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of addressing the 'historical gender imbalance' within the UN, advocating for the appointment of the first woman to lead the organization in its 80-year history. Boric expressed confidence that Bachelet, with her ability to 'build bridges' in fragmented and distrustful times, could help the UN regain credibility and purpose.

The Road to the Next Secretary-General

The current UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is serving his second five-year term, which concludes on December 31, 2026. The selection process for the next Secretary-General, for the term beginning in January 2027, is expected to formally commence in 2026. This complex process involves a recommendation from the United Nations Security Council to the General Assembly, which then votes on the appointment. The five permanent members of the Security Council hold veto power, making their consensus crucial. There is an unwritten convention that the post rotates by region, and calls for greater transparency and gender equity in the selection process have been prominent. Bachelet has previously hinted at her openness to a potential bid, and other figures, such as Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, have also been mentioned as potential candidates.