UN News Global

Four UN Secretary-General Hopefuls Present Cases in Interactive Dialogues

Four candidates for the next UN Secretary-General—Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Rebeca Grynspan of Costa Rica, and Macky Sall of Senegal—are presenting their visions during interactive dialogues at UN Headquarters in New York on April 21–22, 2026. The dialogues, convened by President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, allow candidates to deliver opening statements and answer questions from Member States and civil society on leadership experience and the three pillars of the organization: peace and security, development, and human rights. António Guterres, who has served two maximum terms since 2017, will step down on January 1, 2027.

Regional War Threatens Syria's Fragile Transition

UN Security Council is holding a live meeting on 22 April 2026 to address Syria's fragile political transition amid volatile conditions. While the Iran-US ceasefire has temporarily reduced regional spillover from Lebanon and elsewhere, the chamber confronts a country facing deep internal fissures and external pressures. The reported completion of US military withdrawal marks a milestone, yet significant challenges remain for Syria's stability.

Ceasefire Extension Offers Diplomatic Opening, Tensions Persist in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has extended a fragile ceasefire with Iran, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to welcome the move as 'an important step toward de-escalation.' However, tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz following reported ship seizures and armed attacks on commercial vessels. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez declared that attacks on commercial ships are 'unacceptable,' calling for cessation of 'these reckless actions.' In Lebanon, a separate 10-day ceasefire has allowed displaced families to return, though over 120,000 people remain in shelters, food prices have risen six percent since February, and six hospitals have closed.