Chile to Nominate Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General Post

Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly that he will nominate former president Michelle Bachelet as Chile’s official candidate for the role of United Nations Secretary-General. The declaration highlights Chile’s ambition to elevate its influence on the global stage while supporting a leader with a long history of commitment to democracy, human rights, and international cooperation.

President Boric praised Bachelet’s career and values, emphasizing that her personal and political trajectory reflects the principles on which the UN was founded. He noted that her leadership experience and strong reputation in the international community make her an ideal candidate to lead the global body. “She’s a woman whose own trajectory is fully in line with the values that inspired this organization,” Boric said during his address in New York.

Michelle Bachelet, who served as Chile’s president in two non-consecutive terms, is recognized worldwide for her leadership in advancing social reforms and her advocacy for human rights. Beyond her presidency, she also served as the first UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022, where she worked extensively on issues of justice, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Her candidacy signals Chile’s confidence in her ability to strengthen the role of the United Nations at a time of pressing global challenges, including climate change, armed conflicts, and rising inequality.

The nomination also carries symbolic weight, as Bachelet would join the small group of women considered for the world’s top diplomatic role. With growing international calls for stronger female representation in global leadership, her candidacy could inspire support from member states advocating gender equality within the UN system.

As the UN prepares for its next leadership transition, Bachelet’s nomination sets the stage for a potentially historic election that could reshape the organization’s future direction.