Press Release:
Process to select the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s next Secretary-General continues with fifth interactive dialogue
New York, 12 June 2026 ¨C On Monday, 15 June 2026 at 3:00 p.m. the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, will convene the fifth interactive dialogue with candidates for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations in which they outline their vision for the United Nations and answer Member State and civil society questions about their leadership experience and qualifications, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ reform and the three pillars of the United Nations ¨C peace and security, development and human rights. Since the first round of interactive dialogues in April 2026, one additional candidate, Ms. Mar¨ªa Fernanda Espinosa Garc¨¦s, has been nominated as candidate for the position of Secretary-General.
During the three-hour dialogue, the candidate will be invited to present an opening statement of up to 10 minutes which will be followed by questions from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Member States and civil society representatives to further explore their leadership skills and experience.
The interactive dialogues are a crucial component of the selection process. ¡°The selection of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ¡¯s next leader has far-reaching implications well beyond the halls of the United Nations. I will ensure that Member States and the broader public have the opportunity to hear from all candidates and assess their qualifications required to effectively steer the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ and defend the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Charter in the twenty-first century,¡± the President of the General Assembly emphasized.
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:
Schedule for the Interactive Dialogue in the Trusteeship Council Chamber
Monday, 15 June 2026, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Ms. Mar¨ªa Fernanda Espinosa Garc¨¦s
Interpretation in all official Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ languages will be provided, and the dialogue will be broadcast live on?.
The candidate will speak to the media at the press stakeout position in the East Foyer outside the General Assembly Hall shortly after the conclusion of the interactive dialogue on 15 June 2026.
Format of Interactive Dialogues
The President of the General Assembly will convene interactive dialogues with all candidates for the position of Secretary-General in accordance with?. 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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.
The format of the interactive dialogue on 15 June 2026 follows the modalities of the earlier interactive dialogues to provide equal opportunities to all candidates.
In Person Press Attendance
For members of the press who would like to attend the interactive dialogues in person, a limited number of tickets ¨C due to capacity limitations in the room ¨C will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from MALU.
Press will be required to show the ticket to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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.