New york: Six candidates for the position of United Nations Secretary-General participated in a public debate at the UN headquarters in New York, presenting their visions as potential successors to Antonio Guterres, whose decade-long term will conclude at the end of the year.

According to Thai News Agency, the candidates include Rafael Grossi of Argentina, currently leading the International Atomic Energy Agency; Michelle Bachelet, the former President of Chile; Rebeca Grinspan, who served as Vice President of Costa Rica; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ecuador; Caroline Rodriguez-Burgett, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana; and Macky Saul, the former President of Senegal.

The incoming UN leader will encounter significant challenges, such as addressing an organization facing a credibility crisis and a severe financial crisis due to donor budget cuts and outstanding payments to the United States. Additionally, global conflicts and violations of international law remain pressing issues. All candidates have highlighted the necessity for substantial reforms to the UN's governing system.

The selection process will continue through the end of the year, still open to additional candidates. The UN Security Council is set to conduct a preliminary vote to narrow down the applicants. The selected candidate must not face contestation or veto from the five permanent members: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France. The global community is keenly observing whether the position will be secured by a representative from Latin America or if it will be the first time a woman assumes the role of Secretary-General.