(MENAFN) The procedure for selecting the next United Nations Secretary-General officially commenced on Tuesday when the presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly issued a joint letter.

This letter invited member states to put forward nominations for candidates and provided a framework for the upcoming months.

"Noting with regret that no woman has ever held the position of Secretary-General, and convinced of the need to guarantee equal opportunities for women and men in gaining access to senior decision-making positions, Member States are encouraged to strongly consider nominating women as candidates."

The letter also emphasized the importance of ensuring regional representation in the selection process, stating, "We note the importance of regional diversity in the selection of Secretaries General."

A new Secretary-General will be chosen next year to replace the current UN leader, Antonio Guterres, with a five-year term set to begin on January 1, 2027.

In line with Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly, following the recommendation of the Security Council.

So far, several individuals have publicly declared their intentions to run for the role, including former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan, and Argentine diplomat Rafael Grossi, who is the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

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