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85-year-old Muhammad Yunus is the current Chief Advisor of Bangladesh and will step down from his post in February 2026. He is known worldwide as a Nobel laureate and social reformer.
UN to elect new Secretary-General in 2026
New Delhi: Discussion has intensified worldwide regarding the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. The term of current Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ends in 2026, and the process to select his successor will begin by the end of this year. This time, the name of Bangladesh's Nobel laureate and Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, is also gaining traction.
85-year-old Muhammad Yunus is the current Chief Advisor of Bangladesh and will step down from his post in February 2026. He is known worldwide as a Nobel laureate and social reformer. Yunus is also considered close to the United States and has played a key role in improving Bangladesh's diplomatic relations with various countries.
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During Yunus's tenure, he was appointed Chief Advisor of Bangladesh with the support of the United States during Sheikh Hasina's Government. He also made significant contributions to improving relations with China and Pakistan.
Despite his age of 85, Yunus remains active and possesses a deep understanding of finance, development, and international affairs, making him a strong contender for the position of Secretary-General.
The election of the UN Secretary-General takes place in three stages:
Nomination
Candidates must first submit their nomination. Nominations are open only to individuals with experience in a government position or embassy in a member state. Currently, the UN has 193 member states.
Proposal in Security Council
After nomination, the proposal is sent to the UN Security Council, which consists of five permanent members and ten non-permanent members. Permanent members have veto power. If a permanent member vetoes a candidate, their nomination will be rejected.
Voting in General Assembly
After passing the Security Council, the nomination is presented to the UN General Assembly, where a formal vote is taken by all member states. Finally, the winner is announced.
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Recently, Bangladesh's local newspaper reported that, according to a Foreign Ministry report, Yunus is considered a strong contender for the position of UN Secretary-General.
Yunus's experience, international connections, and reputation as a Nobel laureate distinguish him from other contenders such as nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.
The position of UN Secretary-General tests not only diplomatic skills but also leadership and a global perspective. Given Muhammad Yunus's experience and international recognition, it would not be wrong to say that he is a leading contender for the position.
The 2026 election will be crucial for international politics, and it remains to be seen whether this Nobel laureate from Bangladesh will get the opportunity to lead the world's largest global organization.
