UN elects new Secretary-General: Can the role regain its authority?

The United Nations is selecting a new Secretary-General this week as António Guterres's term ends December 31, with the organization facing a crisis of relevance and authority amid major global conflicts. Experts say the UN has lost influence over the past 15 years, with powerful nations like the US, Russia, and China bypassing the body, as seen in a recent US-Iran ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. The new leader must balance great power interests while addressing a billion-dollar funding shortfall. Former UN negotiator Sigrid Kaag says the next Secretary-General must be more visible and take risks, engaging directly with leaders like Trump, Putin, and Xi, as well as rebel groups, to restore the organization's credibility.