Following the withdrawal of Michelle Bachelet from the United Nations secretary-general race, Mexico finds itself without a candidate to support. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government is currently undecided on which remaining candidate will receive their backing. Bachelet, known for her extensive experience in international affairs and human rights advocacy, withdrew her candidacy on September 19 after failing to garner enough support within the UN Security Council.
Sheinbaum noted that Mexico, along with Brazil, had initially supported Bachelet due to her commitment to multilateralism and her potential to effectively address global challenges. With Bachelet no longer in the running, Sheinbaum stated, “We have no one to support” at this point in the selection process. She indicated that Mexico would wait for the next phase to unfold before making a decision on its stance.
In addition to discussing the race for the next UN secretary-general, Sheinbaum called for reforms to enhance the United Nations’ ability to manage international conflicts and promote peace and human rights. She emphasized the need for the organization to take a more proactive role in resolving global crises.
The search for the next UN secretary-general comes as António Guterres’s second term is set to conclude on December 31, 2026. With Bachelet’s exit, seven candidates remain in contention for the prestigious position. As the selection process continues, Mexico’s next move in supporting a candidate remains to be seen, aligned with its broader vision for a reformed and more effective United Nations.