Power, Process and Participation: The Search for the next Secretary-General

April 17 | Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, New York

On Friday, April 17, 2026, FES New York - together with Security Council Report and the Permanent Mission of Japan - hosted a discussion on SCR’s latest publication, “Power, Process and Participation: The Search for the Next Secretary-General.”

The event convened UN Member State delegates, representatives from the UN Secretariat, and civil society at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in New York. Discussions focused on the evolving selection and appointment process for the next UN Secretary-General amid shifting global power dynamics and intensifying geopolitical rivalries.

We were honored to welcome distinguished speakers and participants, including:
• H.E. Yamazaki Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
• Shamala Kandiah Thompson, Executive Director, Security Council Report
• Sara Bertotti, Policy Analyst, Security Council Report
• Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Distinguished Diplomat-in-Residence, United Nations Foundation
• Anjali K. Dayal, Associate Professor of International Politics, Fordham University

Moderated by Volker Lehmann (FES New York) the participants explored key issues highlighted in the report, including candidate engagement, the role of straw polls, and the institutional dynamics between the Security Council and the General Assembly. Particular attention was given to the influence of the Security Council’s permanent five members in shaping the outcome of the upcoming election.

A central question emerged: will the current process deliver a Secretary-General capable of transcending the constraints of today’s geopolitical landscape - or will it ultimately reflect them?

Special thanks to the Permanent Mission of Japan for providing the photos