Four candidates are competing to succeed Antonio Guterres as the leader of the United Nations next year. The race moved into a higher gear as the contenders faced hours of questioning over two days during hearings with member states and civil society.
The candidates are seeking to revitalize the organization, whose stature has diminished greatly. A central question raised during the proceedings was whether the United Nations can be made effective again.
The contenders pledged to pursue reforms to revive the body while reaffirming its core role in development and peacemaking. Former Costa Rican vice president Rebeca Grynspan vowed that peacemaking would be her first priority if chosen, warning that trust in the world body is waning and time is running out to restore it.