Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the UNITAR Workshop on the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General - May 12th, 2025

I thank Ambassador Marco Suazo, head of the UNITAR Office in New York, Ambassador Andrés Montalvo from Ecuador, and Ambassador Rui Vinhas from Portugal, for organizing this timely debate on the selection and appointment of the next UN Secretary-General.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts by Romania and South Africa, co-facilitators of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the GA, for including concrete recommendations on the upcoming selection and appointment of the SG in their Elements Paper. We hope to have meaningful discussions about the document next Wednesday. After taking stock of the reactions to the Paper, we would like to encourage the co-facilitators to circulate the draft zero of the resolution so that Member States can start negotiations.

The selection of the next SG for the 2027-2031 term represents a critical juncture for the future of the Organization and for international cooperation. In an era defined by complex, interconnected crises — from climate change and global inequality to threats to peace and security —, the world needs a UN leader who is experienced, capable, principled and committed to the values enshrined in the UN Charter.

This process must be transparent, inclusive, and grounded in merit. The Secretary-General must be someone who can command the trust of all Member States, effectively lead the Secretariat, and embody the multilateral spirit that defines the United Nations. A fair process is not merely a procedural matter — it is about legitimacy. It is about ensuring that the world’s most representative international institution reflects the diversity and aspirations of its entire membership.

To that end, the selection must also adhere to core principles of the Organization, including equitable geographic representation and regional rotation. In this regard, I recall that only one out of nine Secretary-Generals — Mr. Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, whose term concluded nearly 35 years ago — has come from the Latin American and Caribbean Group. This region not only was instrumental in founding and consolidating the UN and fostering the decolonization process that so enlarged its membership; it is also rich in capable, experienced, and forward-looking leadership, embodying the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and demonstrating a firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. It is time for its nationals to once again be considered for this vital position.

Gender equality must also be a decisive factor. The fact that no woman has ever been appointed Secretary-General is a glaring gap in the history of our Organization. Echoing relevant General Assembly resolutions, the Pact for the Future, and the latest CELAC leader’s declaration of April 9, Brazil encourages Member States from Latin America and the Caribbean to present qualified women candidates for the position. It is long past time for the leadership of the UN to reflect the full spectrum of the humanity it serves.

Beyond questions of identity and representation, we must look at the selection process itself. There is growing recognition that the process would benefit from further democratization and clarity. Although resolution 69/321 made welcome improvements in regulating some aspects of this process, much can still be done. It is also essential to recall that, according to Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is “appointed by the General Assembly.” While this appointment is based on a recommendation from the Security Council, the legal and moral authority of the Assembly in this process is clear, especially at a time when there is widespread concern about the ability of the Security Council to effectively fulfil its mandate. This is not just about institutional balance; it is about the legitimacy and accountability of the United Nations as a whole.

In this regard, Brazil welcomes the idea of the Security Council developing a shortlist of two or more candidates to recommend to the General Assembly - instead of just presenting one name to be rubber-stamped by the GA, impairing its mandate and competences as established by the Charter. Such a shortlist would open the door to broader engagement by Member States and could be followed by advisory votes or straw polls in the GA, offering a meaningful expression of the collective will. It would give more - and much needed - authority to both the Security Council and the GA in the process and ultimately to the SG.

The process could be greatly enhanced by the establishment of a clear timeline. It would allow for sufficient opportunity for candidates to engage with Member States and other stakeholders. It should include the thorough scrutiny of candidates’ qualifications and records, and the possibility of discussion sessions both at the Security Council and the General Assembly.

Furthermore, all candidates should adhere to a common set of standards. These should include the submission of vision statements; agreement to participate in public dialogues and hearings organized by the President of the General Assembly and transparency regarding financial expenditures related to their campaigns. Such measures would not only enhance the fairness of the process, but also elevate its publicity and credibility in the eyes of the general public.

A fair, inclusive and transparent selection process is not just about choosing a leader. It is about enhancing trust in the United Nations and its main bodies and providing them with the political means to deliver as needed. It is about showing that this Organization is truly open to all peoples and regions. It is about proving that, despite its shortcomings, the UN remains by far our best, and perhaps only, option for working together towards a peaceful, prosperous and just world for all, not only in the future, but right now. Thank you.