Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is said to be the emerging favourite among names such as former Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, Nobel Peace Prize laureate; Argentinian diplomat Rafael Grossi; Alicia Bárcena, Mexico's foreign affairs secretary; Rebeca Grynspan, a high-level UN official; and Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, a former president of the United Nations General Assembly to take the seat as next UN Secretary General. It is Mottley's name that resonates with excitement among UN diplomats and leaders.

As the international community eagerly anticipates the 2026 selection of the United Nations' next Secretary General, unofficial discussions and speculation have already begun. UN insiders suggest that Mottley, known for her charisma and impactful leadership, could be a game-changer in the upcoming race.

“With a historical trend of geographical rotation for the Secretary-General position, it is anticipated that the next leader will hail from Latin America and the Caribbean region. Advocates are pushing for a shift towards diversity, specifically calling for a female candidate after 78 years of exclusively male leaders at the helm of the UN.” Cited - Republic World

Prime Minister Mottley, who assumed office in 2018, has made a mark on the international stage with initiatives such as the Bridgetown Initiative, aimed at reforming global financial architecture. Her powerful rhetoric on issues like slavery reparations, climate change, and global financial reforms has garnered attention and support. Although she has not officially declared her candidacy, her potential run has garnered wide spread support. "I think she would make a great Secretary-General. Whatever she does, I will support her." Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. 

Diplomats, including Finland's foreign minister Elina Valtonen, emphasize the importance of considering a female candidate for the role. The selection process, traditionally secretive, has seen efforts to encourage female candidates, with a revived initiative to bring forward women candidates.

The UN's next Secretary General is set to take office in January of 2027.