Veteran Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has entered the competition to succeed António Guterres as United Nations secretary-general, becoming the seventh candidate for the role.

Nominated by Uganda, Otunnu, who previously served as a special representative for children and armed conflict, is the oldest contender at 75 years old.

His nomination comes amid calls for institutional reforms within the UN, which faces challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and the need to address global conflicts, AI governance, and climate change without hindering economic development.Other candidates include Rafael Grossi of Argentina, Michelle Bachelet of Chile, and Macky Sall of Senegal, among others.

The selection process will involve Security Council straw polls, with experts noting that avoiding veto power from permanent members like China, Russia, or the US is crucial for success.Otunnu’s vision emphasizes revitalizing the UN’s global standing while balancing reform efforts with diplomatic engagement.