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handle is hein.crs/govetja0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congr sWonal Research Service infon in I Jeni tivedemle >1914 Updated February 18, 2026 United Nations Issues: Appointing the UN Secretary-General The 10th United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) is expected to be appointed in late 2026. The UN Security Council and UN General Assembly are considering possible candidates as the second five-year term of current UNSG Ant6nio Guterres ends on December 31, 2026. The United States has traditionally maintained a significant interest in the UNSG selection process, with the hope that the perspectives and policies of the new UNSG align with U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. As one of five permanent members of the Security Council (P-5) with veto power, the United States has considerable influence on UNSG candidate selection. Broadly, the appointment of the UNSG is occurring against the backdrop of a recent U.S. shift away from participation in and funding of certain UN bodies. For example, in January 2026, the Trump Administration announced that the United States would withdraw from 31 UN entities. The Administration has also withheld some U.S. payments to the UN regular budget and UN peacekeeping. Administration officials stated that the United States looks forward to a UNSG that shares the vision of returning the United Nations to its founding purpose of maintaining international peace and security. Role of the SecretaryG-eneral The duties of the UNSG are both administrative and political. Article 97 of the UN Charter describes the UNSG as the chief administrative officer of the United Nations and head of the UN Secretariat. The UNSG's administrative responsibilities include recruiting and hiring staff, coordinating with UN entities, preparing the UN regular budget, and reporting to the General Assembly. The political functions of the office typically fall under Article 99 of the UN Charter, which authorizes the UNSG to bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security. In addition, Article 98 states that the UNSG shall perform such other functions as are entrusted to him by the Council, Assembly, and other UN bodies. In practice, these guidelines have provided the UNSG with opportunities to use his influence and good offices-which draw on the perceived independence, moral authority, and impartiality of the position-to mediate and/or bring attention to conditions or events that might threaten global peace and security. Over the years, UNSGs have defined and adapted their role to address challenges faced during their tenure. Appointment Process Pursuant to Article 97 of the UN Charter, the UNSG shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. Since 1946, UN member states have refined the selection process through precedent and practice, as well as through the adoption of UN General Assembly resolutions-beginning with resolution 11(I) (1946), described in more detail below. Since 2015, the Assembly has adopted other resolutions to add structure and transparency to the process. Most recently, it adopted resolution 79/327 (2025), which outlined certain procedures for appointing the next UNSG. Candidate Nominations. As outlined in General Assembly resolution 79/327, candidates are nominated by one member state, or a group of member states, and no state may nominate more than one individual. Member states may withdraw a candidate at any time and may subsequently nominate another individual. Each nominee provides a vision statement, curriculum vitae, and campaign funding sources, which are posted online. As part of the selection process, the Assembly president convenes an interactive dialogue webcast where UN members can interact with the candidates. The current dialogue is scheduled for the week of April 20, 2026. Status of Nominations On November 25, 2025, the presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council issued a joint letter initiating the 2026 UNSG selection process and inviting member states to present candidates. To date, nominations have been presented for Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina (nominated by Argentina) and Michelle Bachelet of Chile (nominated by Brazil, Chile, and Mexico). Security Council Role. The 15-member Security Council is the primary UN body responsible for appointing the UNSG. According to Assembly resolution 11(I), it is desirable for the Council to recommend one candidate to the Assembly for consideration. The Council's deliberations generally occur in private meetings, with a final decision taken by a secret ballot with an affirmative vote from at least seven Council members, including all P-5 members. The Council adopts a resolution recommending a candidate, and the Council president subsequently writes a letter informing the Assembly president of its recommendation. In years with multiple candidates, the Council has developed the practice of conducting informal straw polls to indicate member states' initial level of support for individuals. In years when there was one candidate (for example, if a UNSG was being considered for a second term), the Council generally adopted a resolution without prior polling, usually by acclamation. General Assembly Role. The Assembly's primary role in UNSG appointment is adopting a resolution appointing the Security Council's recommended candidate. To date, the