Interactive Dialogues with Secretary-General candidates – A pivotal moment in selecting UN’s next leader

On Tuesday, 21 April and Wednesday, 22 April 2026, candidates for the position of Secretary-General will take part in interactive dialogues in which they will outline their vision for the United Nations and answer Member State and civil society questions about their leadership experience and qualifications, reform of the UN as well as the three pillars of the United Nations – peace and security, development and human rights.

The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, will convene the interactive dialogues and has stressed that they are a pivotal moment in the selection and appointment process for the UN’s next leader: “At a time of growing challenges and when fundamental principles of the UN Charter are put into question, the world needs the United Nations more than ever and a Secretary-General who can provide strong, principled, and effective leadership. The next Secretary-General will be entrusted not only with navigating political and financial challenges, but also with advancing essential reforms to ensure the United Nations is fit for the future. In times in which the UN and international law are under direct attack, the role of the Secretary-General is crucial – she or he must be the strongest defender of the UN Charter which is the foundation of the international rules-based order.”

During the three-hour dialogues, candidates will be invited to present an opening statement of up to 10 minutes which will be followed by questions from UN Member States and civil society representatives to further explore their leadership skills and experience. How candidates respond to the range of questions will be a defining moment in the selection process and allow them to demonstrate their accountability to 193 Member States.

“The choice for Secretary-General will also demonstrate whether the United Nations truly represents the 8 billion people we serve and the diversity of the global community in the 21st century. In this regard, civil society participation is key,” said President of the General Assembly Baerbock.

During the interactive dialogues civil society organizations from around the world will be able to pose questions to each candidate.

Additional information on the selection and appointment process, including interactive dialogues, can be found on the dedicated SG selection and appointment website.

For media inquiries please contact: La Neice Collins, Spokesperson, collins3@un.org.

Additional Information:

Statement by the President of the General Assembly  

The President of the General Assembly will provide a statement at the East Foyer press stakeout location outside the General Assembly Hall at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, 21 April ahead of the start of the interactive dialogues. Due to the proximity of her statement to the start of the dialogues and to allow press enough time to be escorted to the Trusteeship Council Chamber, she will not be able to take questions.

Schedule for Interactive Dialogues in the Trusteeship Council Chamber

Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Ms. Michelle Bachelet Jeria

Tuesday, 21 April 2026, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi

Wednesday, 22 April 2026, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Ms. Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis

Wednesday, 22 April 2026, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Mr. Macky Sall

Interpretation in all official UN languages will be provided, and each dialogue will be broadcast live on UN Web TV.

Candidates were offered the opportunity to answer media questions at the press stakeout position in the East Foyer outside the General Assembly Hall shortly after the conclusion of their interactive dialogues. Further information will be shared in due course.

Format of Interactive Dialogues

The President of the General Assembly will convene the interactive dialogues with candidates for the position of Secretary-General in accordance with General Assembly resolution 79/327. Candidates will present their vision at the opening of the dialogue. The opening statement will be followed by questions from Member States and civil society. To enhance the interactive nature of the dialogues, Member States are encouraged to ask short and focused questions. In addition, time limits apply to the speakers. Interactive Dialogues will be structured in a way that allows Member States and civil society to address the most pressing issues the UN faces.

The interactive exchange will follow two thematic segments:

1) Proven leadership abilities, experience and skills of the candidates for a strong and fit-for-the-future organization; and

2) The three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development, and human rights.

In Person Press Attendance

For members of the press who would like to attend the interactive dialogues in person, a limited number of tickets – due to capacity limitations in the room – will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from MALU.

A separate ticket will be required for each dialogue, and press will be required to show the ticket to UN Department of Safety and Security officers at the third-floor entrance of the Trusteeship Council Chamber for entry.  Please email malu@un.org to reserve a ticket and you will receive instructions on when and where to pick up your ticket.

Videographers and photographers with equipment are required to use the media booths in the Trusteeship Council. Please stop by the MALU office (S-250) for an escort to the booths.