Following the withdrawal of Michelle Bachelet from the race for the next United Nations secretary-general, Mexico finds itself without a candidate to support. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that the government has yet to decide on a new candidate endorsement. Bachelet, known for her experience in international affairs and advocacy for human rights, withdrew her candidacy on September 19 after failing to garner sufficient backing in the UN Security Council.
Sheinbaum stated that Mexico had initially supported Bachelet due to her qualifications and commitment to multilateralism. With her exit from the race, Mexico is now in a holding pattern, awaiting the next phase of the selection process before determining its stance. Alongside Brazil, Mexico had been a strong proponent of Bachelet’s bid for the top UN position.
In her remarks, Sheinbaum also emphasized the need for reforms within the United Nations. She advocated for the organization to assume a more effective role in resolving international conflicts and advancing peace and human rights globally. This call for change reflects a broader desire for the UN to strengthen its impact on pressing global issues.
The search for the next UN secretary-general is underway as António Guterres’s second term is set to conclude on December 31, 2026. With Bachelet stepping out of the race, seven contenders remain in the running for the position. Mexico’s future endorsement will depend on developments in the selection process, which continues to unfold.