As the 80th United Nations General Assembly kicks off this week, speculation is swirling around the potential candidacy of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet for the position of UN Secretary-General. This high-profile role is currently held by António Guterres, whose term is set to expire.
Leading the charge in support of Bachelet’s nomination is Manuel José Ossandón, the President of the Chilean Senate and a member of the center-right National Renewal (RN) party. From New York, Ossandón praised Bachelet’s extensive experience and international prestige, stating: «I support the nomination of Michelle Bachelet to the UN because she is a person with a lot of experience. She was twice President of Chile, respectful of democracy, and is also highly valued abroad.»
Ossandón emphasized that this candidacy should receive broad, cross-party support, as it represents Chile on the global stage, not any single political party. This bipartisan backing underscores Bachelet’s stature and the national importance of her potential UN appointment.
Bachelet’s own comments in March of this year further fueled the speculation, when she revealed her possible interest in the UN’s top job during an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Conference. «Maybe I’m going to be a candidate for the Secretary-General,» she declared to a standing ovation.
Bachelet’s UN Experience
Bachelet is no stranger to the United Nations, having previously served as the head of UN Women (2010-2013) and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018-2022). Her extensive experience within the UN system, combined with her distinguished tenure as President of Chile, make her a compelling candidate for the Secretary-General role.
Boric’s UN Delegation Includes Bachelet
Underscoring the importance of this potential nomination, Chilean President Gabriel Boric has included Bachelet in his official delegation to the UN General Assembly. Boric’s entourage also features the Senate President Ossandón, Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren, and several cabinet ministers.
Boric’s visit aims to reaffirm Chile’s commitment to multilateralism, democracy, and environmental protection on the global stage. Bachelet’s presence in the delegation suggests that her candidacy for UN Secretary-General could be a key priority for the Chilean government.
Potential Implications and Considerations
If Bachelet were to be nominated and selected as the next UN Secretary-General, it would represent a significant milestone for Chile and the broader Latin American region. Her extensive experience, respected global profile, and proven track record of leadership could make her a formidable candidate.
However, the selection process for the UN’s top job is complex and highly political. Bachelet would need to navigate the diplomatic landscape and secure the support of key member states to secure the position. Additionally, her potential candidacy may face scrutiny or opposition from certain quarters, requiring a nuanced and strategic approach.
Nonetheless, the bipartisan backing from Chilean leaders like Ossandón suggests that Bachelet’s nomination could enjoy broad national support, bolstering her chances of success. As the UN General Assembly unfolds, the world will be watching to see if Bachelet’s name is put forward as the next Secretary-General.
