Next U.N. Secretary-General Must Be More Than Mediator-in-Chief
As U.N. Secretary-General Candidates Make Pitch to be Mediator-in-Chief, Will Peacebuilding End Up On the Cutting Room Floor?
For 12 grueling hours in late April, and six further hours last week, the six candidates competing to become the next United Nations secretary-general were grilled by U.N. member States and civil society in open interactive dialogues. As each candidate sat for three hours answering questions during these marathon sessions, it was clear that a collective groupthink has engulfed the U.N.: that the institution is missing in action when it comes to peace and security, and the answer to reversing this trajectory is for the next secretary-general to first and foremost be a mediator-in-chief. But as these candidates jostled to present platforms promising a new mediation crisis-response posture for the U.N., the word “peacebuilding” was barely uttered once.
Nostalgia for the type of leadership seen by previous secretary-generals such as U Thant in the 1960s, which has been documented in a recent book that seems to have been read by every U.N. ambassador in New York, has led to many yearning for a return to a frontline leader who can effectively mediate between warring parties to avoid all-out conflict. While candidates all sought to demonstrate their commitment to this idea that bold action and principled peacemaking were necessary ideals of the next secretary-general, peacebuilding — or efforts to address the drivers of conflict — was notably absent from discussions. This is despite the latest Global Peace Index from the Institute of Economics and Peace recording violent conflict levels at their highest in more than two decades.
As the U.N. convenes this week to host its first-ever Peacebuilding Week, a timely question must be raised: does the emerging narrative in the secretary-general search risk pushing the U.N. towards a posture that prioritizes crisis response, elite bargains, and shuttle diplomacy, at the expense of peacebuilding efforts that require longer-term investment to address the structural, political, economic, and social — including gender-related — drivers of violent conflict?
At a moment when trust in multilateral institutions has been eroded by continued failures to prevent or respond effectively to crises in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar, Iran, and Lebanon, a new leader undoubtedly must strengthen the U.N.’s mediation and crisis-diplomacy capacity. But to deliver on the world’s “most impossible job,” as the U.N.’s first secretary-general, Trygve Lie of Norway, described it to his successor, Sweden’s Dag Hammarskjöld, this investment in crisis response will only reap dividends if peacebuilding remains a strong part of what the U.N. can offer
The Secretary-General Selection Process
The U.N. secretary-general is charged with upholding the values and moral authority of the United Nations and using the role as the world’s chief diplomat to attempt to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating, or spreading. Elected by the U.N. General Assembly at the recommendation of the 15 members of the U.N. Security Council, potential candidates know that the real power ultimately resides in the five permanent members of the Security Council — China, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom — each of whom holds veto power over the appointment.
Last week’s dialogues allowed the six public candidates in the race to replace current U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres — Rafael Grossi, Michele Bachelet, Macky Sall, Rebeca Grynspan, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, and Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett — to present their vision to the U.N. General Assembly.
Starting in late July, the Security Council will embark on a closed voting process known as “straw polls” to assess the viability of each candidate. These votes usually conclude in September or October, once the Council coalesces around one candidate, who then will be nominated to the U.N. General Assembly to serve as the 10th U.N. secretary-general, taking office on Jan. 1, 2027.
A Tough Job Only Getting Tougher
The next secretary-general will assume the role in a fragmented global order, a world that is quite different from the one that Guterres inherited 10 years ago. At the time, the U.N. was fresh off the success of agreement on a new U.N. Sustainable Development Agenda, coupled with high-profile convenings like the World Humanitarian Summit, and multilateralism appeared to be in a healthy place. Buoyed by successful multilateral efforts to resolve the Gambian crisis in early 2017, Guterres set out to deliver a big early win by trying to lead peace talks to solve the frozen conflict in Cyprus. But the collapse of these efforts in 2017 was a sign of what was to come for the U.N. secretary-general. This setback, together with failing implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, and crumbling support for U.N. peacekeeping, began to put serious pressure on U.N. leadership.
Yet, the narrative about Guterres’ failure as a high-level peacemaker has been most reinforced by the inability of U.N. leadership to tackle the major crises of the day. Failure to prevent or end the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, lack of action to mitigate the devastating civil war in Sudan — resulting in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis — and the brutal assault by Israeli forces on Gazan civilians laid bare the stark shortcomings of the current U.N. system in the realm of peace and security. The U.N. secretary-general is, of course, not to blame for any of these wars, to be sure — the dysfunctional and increasingly politicized permanent five members of the Security Council must take the bulk of the blame — but there has been no notable success attributed to his leadership in relation to preventing violent conflict or negotiating a cease-fire.
While the inability of the U.N.’s executive leadership to effectively respond to major crises certainly deserves serious interrogation, the current rhetoric could encourage the next secretary-general to overcorrect the focus of the U.N. peace and security architecture. An all-in approach on mediation and crisis response might risk throwing the baby out with the bathwater and losing some of the positive strides made on peacebuilding.
Progress on Peacebuilding?
For all the negative sentiment regarding Guterres’ tenure on high-profile peace and security issues, his efforts to strengthen the U.N.’s peacebuilding work should not be overlooked. One of the first reforms was the renaming of the Department of Political Affairs into the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in 2017, uplifting peacebuilding rhetorically within the U.N. system. This shift, together with calls for a “quantum leap” in funding for peacebuilding, championing a New Agenda for Peace, and advocacy to then help secure assessed contributions for the U.N. Peacebuilding Fund, represented significant political and resource investment in U.N. peacebuilding. These positive developments — viewed in parallel with the rise of hard-security agendas at the U.N. such as counterterrorism — are welcome, even though much more progress is needed to ensure that far more resources and power shift to peacebuilders on the ground rather than being absorbed by U.N. agencies or programs.
Unfortunately, several factors in the past 18 months have derailed some — perhaps much — of the momentum that had been generated for peacebuilding. The arrival of the second Trump administration in January 2025 was one, with its rhetorical and diplomatic assault on the U.N., its withdrawal from some U.N. organizations, and its withholding of funding. Another factor was the morphing of the UN80 process, intended for strategic reform, into a drastic budget-cutting exercise to address a financial crisis prompted by U.S. and other cuts. And a third element was the sidelining of comprehensive multilateral agreements like the Pact for the Future.
Still, the fact remains that peacebuilding continues to enjoy significant support at the U.N. The twin U.N. General Assembly and U.N. Security Council resolutions renewing the U.N. peacebuilding architecture were adopted unanimously in November 2025. The General Assembly’s main budgetary committee still agreed to provide funds to the U.N. Peacebuilding Fund. And this week, the U.N. community meets for the first U.N. Peacebuilding Week. U.S. withdrawal from the U.N. Peacebuilding Commission aside, there are still plenty of opportunities that new U.N. leadership could seize.
Strengthen Crisis Mediation, and Champion and Reform Peacebuilding
Given the current emphasis by some of the most powerful global leaders on foreign policies founded on ideals akin to “peace through strength,” peacebuilding might not be perceived as a vote winner this July for those vying to replace U.N. Secretary-General Guterres. But there is clear evidence that peacebuilding works when done correctly, that it is a smart investment, and that communities around the world want and need it.
So the candidates for secretary-general would be smart to start thinking about how they can champion — and reform — the U.N.’s peacebuilding work to complement a reinvigoration of the crisis prevention and response capacity. Strong starting points could include finding further ways to promote national ownership of peacebuilding, getting serious about peacebuilding support that protects human rights and promotes civic activity in countries most affected by violent conflict, and prioritizing investment in peacebuilding that is locally led and focused on community and civil society strengths and leadership.
Certainly, there are choppy waters ahead for the peacebuilding agenda as a whole. Major donors to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), including Germany, the U.K., France, the Netherlands, and Sweden, are dramatically reducing overseas development assistance budgets, while simultaneously investing huge sums in military and defense spending. New leadership at the U.N. should do what it can to resist this larger move towards what Executive Director Chris Coulter of the Berlin-based Berghof Foundation has labelled “defunding peace and calling it security.” This should start by maintaining strong rhetorical support for both increased investment and necessary reform in global peacebuilding efforts.
While we hope the next secretary-general will be an effective mediator, the selection cannot rest solely on the candidate’s ability to shuttle between crises. An equal task will be whether they can protect, reform, and champion U.N. peacebuilding to ensure that the U.N. and partners increase resources for that work and that those resources are more accessible and flexible for civil society — particularly women and youth-led organizations — to lead initiatives from the grassroots. At a moment when violent conflict is at its highest level in decades and aid cuts are eroding support for long-term peacebuilding efforts around the world, peacebuilding cannot become an afterthought.
FEATURED IMAGE: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on April 27, 2026. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images)Read Next:
Will States Address Disability Invisibility in the Crimes Against Humanity Convention?
Jun. 29, 2026 Janet Lord, Kate McInnes and 5 more
Where Did All These Passports Come From? Russia’s Manipulation of Citizenship as Hybrid Warfare in Ukraine
Jun. 29, 2026 Ryan O'Neale
U.S., U.K. Won’t Stop UAE’s Support to Sudan’s RSF by Tiptoeing Around It
Jun. 26, 2026 Mutasim Ali and Adam Keith
A Dangerous Legal Loophole: Consent is Not Enough for U.S. Military Activities in Latin America
Jun. 26, 2026 Rebecca Crootof 12323Featured Articles:
Combat Experience as a Strategic Resource: Lessons of the Red Army Purges
Jun. 29, 2026 Michael Schmitt
Sanitized and Unreviewable: Unpacking the Supreme Court’s Mullin v Doe on Ending Temporary Protected Status for 1.3m Noncitizens
Jun. 26, 2026 Lucas GuttentagA Dangerous Legal Loophole: Consent is Not Enough for U.S. Military Activities in Latin America
Jun. 26, 2026 Rebecca CrootofAs U.N. Secretary-General Candidates Make Pitch to be Mediator-in-Chief, Will Peacebuilding End Up On the Cutting Room Floor?
Jun. 23, 2026 Jordan Street and Maria KisumbiBadenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
