The race to become the next United Nations secretary-general is entering its final lap, just a few months before Ban Ki-moon is set to step down from his post as U.N. chief. Maybe you’re finding yourself still a bit confused about the process. There’s a good reason for that.
While officially dubbed an election, the race to serve as the U.N.’s leader largely happens behind closed doors, and ultimately comes down to the political leanings — and votes — of the five permanent members of the Security Council.
It’s a crowded playing field this year, as 10 candidates are now in the running.
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About the author
Amy Liebermanamylieberman
Amy Lieberman is the U.N. Correspondent for Devex. She covers the United Nations and reports on global development and politics. Amy previously worked as a freelance reporter, covering the environment, human rights, immigration, and health across the U.S. and in more than 10 countries, including Colombia, Mexico, Nepal, and Cambodia. Her coverage has appeared in the Guardian, the Atlantic, Slate, and the Los Angeles Times. A native New Yorker, Amy received her master’s degree in politics and government from Columbia’s School of Journalism.
