Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu joins race to lead the United Nations
Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has entered the race to succeed Antonio Guterres as the next United Nations Secretary-General. He joins a diverse field of candidates, with the UN Security Council set to begin the selection process via anonymous straw polls.
Why it matters
The selection of a new UN Secretary-General is a pivotal geopolitical event that influences global policy and international cooperation.
Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu has become the seventh candidate to join the race to become the next leader of the United Nations.
The former UN under-secretary-general, who served as a special representative for children and armed conflict, was nominated by Kampala on Friday.
A previous opposition presidential candidate, he also served as Uganda's UN envoy, and as his country's foreign minister for a brief period.
At 75, he is the oldest of the current candidates to replace Antonio Guterres whose mandate as secretary-general comes to an end on 31 December after two five-year terms in the post.
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