Four contenders are competing for the post, with the successful candidate set to assume office at the start of next year and confront mounting challenges facing the United Nations, whose global standing has come under increasing scrutiny.

During two days of hearings, candidates emphasized the need to modernize the 80-year-old body, established after World War Two, as geopolitical tensions and actions by major powers strain the norms underpinning the post-war international order.

Rebeca Grynspan, former vice president of Costa Rica and current head of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, said restoring trust in the institution would be critical, identifying peacemaking as her top priority.

“To defend the United Nations today is to have the courage to change it,” Grynspan said, warning that confidence in the organization was eroding and time to reverse the trend was limited.

Macky Sall, who served as Senegal’s president until 2024, advocated what he described as “rigorous management” reforms aimed at improving coordination across UN agencies and reducing duplication, as pressure mounts to cut costs and demonstrate effectiveness.

“Now is the time to do better with less,” Sall said, outlining his vision for a more efficient and forward-looking institution.The candidates are vying for a five-year term, renewable once, in a process that has drawn fewer applicants compared to 2016, when Guterres was selected from a field of 13 contenders.

Grynspan and Michelle Bachelet are seeking to become the first woman to lead the United Nations, reflecting a broader push for gender representation at the highest levels of global governance.

Bachelet reiterated her support for women’s rights during her hearing, amid opposition from some conservative U.S. lawmakers over her stance on abortion.Also in the race is Rafael Grossi, a career diplomat from Argentina who currently heads the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Grossi said reform efforts were progressing but remained incomplete.While there is no formal requirement, longstanding precedent discourages candidates from the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States to avoid concentration of power, although their support remains decisive in the selection process.

Speaking at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Guterres said violations of international law were increasingly visible at a time when the global system is under strain and power dynamics are shifting. He stressed that adherence to legal norms was “more important than ever” amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The commemorative session, attended by Willem-Alexander, highlighted both the legacy and current pressures facing the court, which adjudicates disputes between states. Guterres noted that the ICJ is currently handling a rising number of cases, reflecting both its relevance and the complexity of contemporary conflicts.

Recent high-profile proceedings include a case brought by South Africa against Israel alleging violations of the Genocide Convention in Gaza, as well as a landmark environmental advisory opinion issued last year that clarified states’ obligations on climate change and opened the possibility of reparations for non-compliance.

Despite its central role, Guterres said institutions such as the ICJ are increasingly being “questioned and challenged,” with erosion of respect for international law occurring not at the margins but “at the core” of the global system, including among states tasked with maintaining international peace and security.

He reiterated that ICJ rulings are legally binding under the UN Charter, even though the court lacks enforcement mechanisms, a limitation frequently cited by critics. He pointed to the court’s order directing Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine, which was not followed, as an example of the gap between legal authority and political compliance.

Yuji Iwasawa echoed these concerns, warning of “troubling signs” of countries questioning multilateralism and the role of law in international relations. He said such trends place significant pressure on the global legal framework and underscore the fragility of the system.

Guterres framed the moment as a broader choice facing the international community between a rules-based order and one shaped by power politics, emphasizing that respect for international law remains a foundational obligation for all UN member states.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the agreement followed mediation efforts led by Pakistan, adding he would suspend threats of military action if Iran upheld the ceasefire and ensured full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad would host talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations on Friday, describing both sides as constructively engaged. He expressed hope that the proposed “Islamabad Talks” would lead to sustainable peace.

China said it welcomed the ceasefire, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stating Beijing would continue efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.Iraq’s foreign ministry also supported the development, calling for “serious and sustainable dialogue” to address underlying disputes and build trust between the parties.

Turkiye backed the planned negotiations in Islamabad and stressed the importance of full implementation of the ceasefire on the ground, while Australia thanked mediators including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for their role in de-escalation efforts.

Egypt underscored the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity across the region, particularly for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, warning against any violations that could threaten regional stability.

The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging all parties to comply with international law and uphold the terms of the agreement to pave the way for comprehensive peace.Indonesia also called for respect for sovereignty and diplomacy, while Germany’s foreign minister described the truce as a critical first step toward avoiding further escalation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the ceasefire would bring “a moment of relief” and confirmed plans to engage Gulf partners on ensuring the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Financial markets responded positively to the announcement, with oil prices falling and global stocks rising after Iran agreed to allow safe passage through the key waterway, which carries a significant share of the world’s energy supplies.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iranian negotiators were “begging for a deal,” dismissing Tehran’s public stance as inaccurate. Araghchi, speaking on state television, said there had been no direct dialogue with Washington, adding that exchanges via intermediaries did not constitute negotiations.

He said Iran was conveying its positions and warnings through friendly countries.The divergence in messaging comes as military operations continue. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted extensive strikes on Iranian targets since late February, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states.

A U.S. Central Command briefing said more than 10,000 targets had been struck, with significant degradation of Iran’s naval, missile, and drone capabilities.

The conflict has disrupted global energy flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas. Its effective closure has triggered what officials describe as a severe energy shock, driving up fuel prices and straining supply chains across industries from aviation to agriculture.

Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of ADNOC, described restrictions on Hormuz as “economic terrorism,” warning of global consequences. Governments are considering intervention measures similar to those deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as businesses face rising costs and weakening demand.

The World Food Programme has warned that prolonged disruption could push tens of millions into acute hunger, with farmers and fisheries already facing fuel shortages.

A 15-point U.S. proposal, conveyed to Iran through Pakistan, includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, curbing Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, and halting support for regional allies, according to Israeli sources familiar with the plan.

The White House has not publicly detailed the proposal.Israeli officials expressed skepticism that Tehran would accept the terms and voiced concern that U.S. negotiators could offer concessions.

Iran, according to regional sources, has insisted that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire framework involving Washington and Israel.

Financial markets reflected fading optimism over a near-term resolution. Global equities weakened on Thursday while oil prices resumed their upward trajectory. Analysts cited diminishing expectations of a ceasefire as a key driver of volatility.

The Pentagon is preparing to deploy additional airborne troops to the Gulf, supplementing Marine units already en route, according to sources. The buildup is intended to expand military options as the conflict risks widening.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the situation could escalate further, urging a shift from military confrontation to diplomacy.

The meeting reflected the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and expanding cooperation across multiple fields.

The discussions highlighted the deep historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Eritrea, with both leaders emphasizing their shared vision for stability, development, and enhanced collaboration.

The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s role in fostering constructive dialogue with neighboring nations and supporting regional progress.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed various areas of cooperation, including economic development, security coordination, cultural exchange, and opportunities for joint investment.

The dialogue reflected mutual interest in broadening the strategic partnership to benefit both nations and support long-term regional stability.

The leaders also explored ways to strengthen political and diplomatic relations in line with evolving regional priorities.

Their discussions demonstrated a unified commitment to addressing shared challenges through cooperation, trust, and diplomatic engagement.

In addition to bilateral matters, the meeting touched on broader issues of common interest that affect the Red Sea region and the African continent.

This included enhancing mechanisms that promote peace, maritime security, and economic integration.

The visit of President Afwerki to Riyadh reflects the growing importance of Saudi-Eritrean relations and the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to build bridges across regions.

The meeting reaffirmed the spirit of partnership that both countries seek to nurture as they progress toward greater development and cooperation.

Later in the day, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a separate meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marking another significant diplomatic engagement.

Their conversation focused on key regional and global developments, including efforts to promote peace and stability across different parts of the world.

The Crown Prince and the UN chief reviewed international challenges and discussed ways to enhance global cooperation. Both emphasized the importance of supporting international institutions and strengthening multilateral efforts that contribute to global security.

The meeting highlighted Saudi Arabia’s active role in international diplomacy, particularly in promoting humanitarian initiatives, supporting conflict resolution, and contributing to global development.

The Kingdom’s cooperation with the United Nations continues to expand through shared goals and collaborative programs.

Discussions with the UN Secretary-General also touched on joint efforts to address humanitarian needs, support sustainable development, and enhance dialogue between nations.

The talks reflected the Kingdom’s vision of contributing to a more stable and prosperous global community.

Both meetings showcased the Kingdom’s strategic engagement with global and regional leaders.

By hosting discussions that address international issues, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a pivotal diplomatic actor and a trusted partner in global affairs.

The presence of both President Afwerki and Secretary-General Guterres in Riyadh illustrates the Kingdom’s growing diplomatic influence and its commitment to fostering cooperation at all levels.

These meetings reaffirm the Kingdom’s role in shaping conversations that promote peace, unity, and international dialogue.

Through such engagements, the Kingdom continues to work toward a future defined by collaboration, development, and global stability.

The leadership’s dedication to building strong relationships ensures that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of international diplomacy.

The day’s diplomatic activities sent a clear message of the Kingdom’s readiness to engage constructively with all partners, explore new opportunities, and support initiatives that contribute to regional and global progress.

These efforts reflect a long-term vision of fostering a secure and interconnected world.