Former UNGA president Peter Thomson renewed in September 2016 the commitment his predecessor Mogens Lykketoft had made the year before to run his presidency in the most open and transparent manner possible.

This also applies to the process of selecting and appointing the next United Nations Secretary-General.

The position of Secretary-General is one of great importance that requires the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, and a firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The President of the General Assembly and of the Security Council invite candidates to be presented with proven leadership and managerial abilities, extensive experience in international relations, and strong diplomatic, communication and multilingual skills.

Member States are invited to present candidates in a letter to the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council.

The Presidents of the General Assembly and of the Security Council will jointly circulate to all Member States, on an ongoing basis, and publish on this webpage, the names of individuals that have been submitted for consideration.