United Nations, August 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The UN General Assembly has held interactive dialogues with two more candidates seeking to become the next United Nations Secretary-General, with both outlining their priorities on conflicts, institutional reform, development and global cooperation.
Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu, nominated by Uganda, told the Assembly on Wednesday that addressing the spread of increasingly deadly conflicts should be an immediate priority, warning that they threaten to engulf entire regions and have wider global consequences.
Otunnu pledged to work with UN member states to help resolve the Ukraine and Gaza crises, support the peace agreement between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and cooperate with the African Union and other international partners to end the conflict in Sudan.
He also said he would support diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive peace agreement concerning the Iran conflict and seek stronger coordination in counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.
His broader agenda includes rebuilding consensus on human rights, reforming the UN, addressing its financial crisis, developing innovative financing mechanisms, harnessing opportunities created by artificial intelligence, strengthening cooperation with regional organisations and reconnecting the global public with the UN.
Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne A-Baki, who was nominated by Tonga, participated in Thursday’s dialogue. She said she would seek to provide leadership rather than simply manage the organisation if selected.
A-Baki identified the renewal of the UN’s commitment to peace, prevention of war, human dignity and social progress as her central vision. She pledged to pursue peacekeeping and peacemaking, modernise the Security Council, address development-related debt and financing challenges, and protect human dignity amid rapid advances in artificial intelligence.
The General Assembly began holding interactive dialogues with candidates for the next Secretary-General in late April. All eight candidates have now participated in the process.
The term of current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends on December 31, with his successor scheduled to assume office on January 1, 2027.
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