High-Level Side Event “A New Vision for Global Leadership: Selecting the Next UN Secretary-General” organised by Estonia, Denmark, Romania and the International peace Institute (IPI)
Keynote Remarks by H.E. Alar Karis, President of Estonia
September 23 2025, New York
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The world today is witnessing flagrant violations of the UN Charter. There are attempts to replace the rule of law with the rule of force.
Amid the multitude of geopolitical rifts and deepening crisis of multilateralism, the United Nations is under a serious stress – politically, financially, and morally. While the greatest responsibility of all of this lies with the Member States, one cannot underestimate the role of the Secretary-General in revitalizing the organisation.
There is no doubt that the new Secretary-General, that will be selected and appointed next year, has a very difficult task at hand. The position requires from the chosen candidate a strong stance in defending the multilateral system and the rules-based international order. It is a position to set an example for other leaders by demonstrating a firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
While we might be tempted to ponder on the names of the potential candidates for this position, I would like to invite you to focus on the process of selecting and appointing the next Secretary General. I would argue that it is the process that equally importantly sets the tone for the credibility of the United Nations.
As an active member of the Accountability Coherence and Transparency (ACT) Group, Estonia has always stood firmly for the transparency and effectiveness of this process.
A few weeks ago, an important resolution was adopted on the revitalization of the General Assembly. It set out for the first time the contours of the whole selection process, and included several elements of the need to have a transparent, open and inclusive process.
But more needs to be done. Let me emphasise a couple of areas that I perceive important for the process to succeed. And by success, I mean a process that is perceived by the international community as fair, robust and transparent, and that delivers the appointment of the best candidate.
First, a more prominent role of the General Assembly. At a time when rifts among the Permanent Members prevent the Security Council from fulfilling its mandate, and when one Permanent Member is waging a war of aggression against another UN Member State, the UN is undergoing a sever credibility crisis.
Against this backdrop, entrusting the choice of the next Secretary General solely in the hands of the Security Council will not help the organisation to revive itself. It is, therefore, strongly encouraged for the Security Council to submit more than one name to the General Assembly.
Second, the selection process for such an important role must follow a formal timetable and public indication of when key decisions are made. Given the multitude of issues and challenges facing the organisation, the next Secretary General needs to have ample time to prepare for the office.
Third, the selection criteria. The candidates should have a proven track record in support of multilateralism, international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. They should also, for the sake of transparency and accountability, disclose any funding sources they have in relation to their candidature.
Fourth, Estonia has always stood for the inclusiveness of UN processes. After 80 years of men-only leadership, we are very sympathetic to the idea for a woman to be chosen as UN Secretary-General.
Finally, the important role of civil societies in this process, cannot be overlooked. They can play an instrumental role in identifying qualified candidates, as well as providing data, insight and consultation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is clear that the next Secretary-General will have one of the most difficult jobs in their hands. Restoring the faith in the UN as a guardian of peace requires strong and principled leadership. The process of selecting the new Secretary-General plays a critical part in finding one. Let’s continue our collective effort and ensure that the best candidate is selected in 2026.
Thank you!
