ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held separate meetings with former Senegalese President Macky Sall and Costa Rican economist and senior UN official Rebeca Grynspan, two of the five candidates contesting this year’s race to become the next United Nations secretary-general.
The meetings came as countries began engaging with contenders to succeed António Guterres, whose second five-year term as UN chief ends on December 31, 2026.
The UN General Assembly is expected to appoint the next secretary-general following consultations among member states and the recommendation of the Security Council.
It was a pleasure to welcome H.E. Mr. Macky Sall, candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General, to Islamabad today.
During the meeting, I reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and a stronger United Nations that advances peace,… pic.twitter.com/N9cHHq5JKb
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 10, 2026
During the separate meetings at the Prime Minister’s House, Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and expressed support for a stronger and more effective United Nations capable of addressing growing global political, security and development challenges.
He stressed the importance of preserving a balanced focus on the UN’s three core pillars—peace and security, sustainable development and human rights—while calling for the faithful implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, respect for international law and greater international cooperation to promote global peace and prosperity.
Delighted to welcome Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General, to Islamabad today.
In our meeting, I reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, the UN Charter, and a stronger United Nations that advances peace and security,… pic.twitter.com/pIESweRc5l
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 10, 2026
The prime minister also underlined the need to accelerate progress on the global development agenda, saying developing countries required stronger international cooperation to confront mounting economic and climate-related challenges.
Pakistan Backs Stronger UN Role
Shehbaz told both candidates that Pakistan remained firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and hoped the organisation’s next leader would strengthen the United Nations’ ability to respond effectively to increasingly complex global crises.
Candidates Praise Pakistan’s Role
Both candidates thanked Pakistan for its longstanding contributions to the United Nations and its active participation in UN peacekeeping and multilateral diplomacy.
Grynspan also praised Pakistan’s constructive role in recent regional peace efforts, while Sall expressed appreciation for the country’s continued support for the United Nations and the multilateral system.
Five-Way Contest for UN’s Top Job
The race to succeed Guterres has attracted five declared candidates: former Senegalese President Macky Sall, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and former Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa.
The next secretary-general will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a five-year term, subject to appointment by the UN General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.
