UN secretary-general — Consultations among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council on selecting a new secretary-general are expected to begin soon, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The current term of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expires on December 31, 2025.

The selection process for the UN’s top diplomat is a significant diplomatic undertaking, with the P5 nations—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—holding decisive influence. The announcement signals the start of a key phase in succession planning for the world’s leading international organization.