In the UN Secretary-General 2026 race, one question echoes in every capital: who can run the Organization well? One week before the 23 July town hall in the General Assembly Hall, with indicative votes in the Security Council expected in the last week of the month, President Macky Sall offers a precise answer. It is the third pillar of his vision: strengthening the governance of the United Nations.
The answer rests on three requirements: rationalize, simplify, optimize. Rationalize structures and mandates, so that every body serves a clear purpose. Simplify working methods, through innovation, digital technology and performance evaluation. Optimize the use of human and financial resources, with more predictable and sustainable funding.
Governance is also decided in the field. Duplication across agencies, funds and programmes costs resources that people need. President Macky Sall proposes stronger coordination of operations, a more flexible Organization adapted to local realities, with particular attention to structurally fragile countries.
The standard comes from experience. A head of state answers for every expenditure before his people. As a former President of the Republic of Senegal, President Macky Sall understands member states' concern for the optimal use of the Organization's resources. His pledge follows the words of his vision statement: transparent management for an effective, efficient and accountable Secretariat, and results governments can defend before their citizens. Do better with less.
This pillar completes the other two: an integrated vision of peace, security and development, and a renewed, revitalized multilateralism. Together they form a platform for an Organization recentred on its original missions, able to rebuild trust among member states.
The selection calendar is tightening. On 23 July, at the initiative of the President of the General Assembly, all candidates will answer member states and civil society. The Security Council will then continue its deliberations, with indicative votes expected from the last week of July, before recommending a name to the General Assembly. Secretary-General António Guterres's term ends on 31 December 2026; his successor takes office on 1 January 2027.
Until then, the question of management will stay at the centre of the race. Member states want an Organization that keeps peace and security, uses its resources wisely and delivers verifiable results. That is President Macky Sall's programme.