Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has entered the race to become the next United Nations secretary-general, joining seven other candidates vying to succeed António Guterres.

At 75, Otunnu is the oldest contender for the role, which he aims to reform by prioritizing conflict resolution, AI governance, and climate action without hindering economic development.

His nomination by Uganda highlights the growing competition for the UN leadership post, with candidates from diverse backgrounds including Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, and Senegal.The selection process, expected to begin this week, involves Security Council straw polls to narrow the field.

Experts caution that securing the role requires navigating potential vetoes from permanent Security Council members, particularly China, Russia, or the US.The UN faces mounting pressure to address bureaucratic inefficiencies and restore its global standing amid ongoing crises.

Otunnu’s vision emphasizes institutional reforms and international cooperation, reflecting broader challenges in reinvigorating the organization’s mission.