Four candidates will face member states this week in auditions to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, marking a far smaller field than the 13 contenders who ran a decade ago. The lineup includes former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, Argentine nuclear chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, United Nations trade leader Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and former Senegalese President Macky Sall.

The race unfolds against a backdrop of deep global divisions and diminished influence for the United Nations. Unlike in 2016, when the organization was buoyed by major climate and development agreements, it now faces criticism for failing to halt conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran. Analysts say today’s geopolitical tensions have made governments more cautious about putting forward candidates who could risk diplomatic fallout with major powers.

By tradition, the role rotates by region, and many diplomats argue it is Latin America’s turn, though Eastern Europe has never held the post. The Security Council’s five permanent members hold decisive power, as any one of them can block a კანდიდacy. While there is renewed advocacy for a woman to lead the organization, political dynamics — particularly in Washington — have cast uncertainty over whether that push will succeed.