Baerbock Expects Next UN Secretary-General To Uphold The Charter On Russia’s War Against Ukraine

President of the 80th UN General Assembly session, Annalena Baerbock, expressed expectations for the next secretary-general to uphold the UN Charter regarding Russia's war against Ukraine. During a press conference, she addressed the issue as a key topic during her interactions with candidates for the UN secretary-general position.

Baerbock emphasized that every member state asked the candidates about their commitment to implementing General Assembly resolutions, as the Security Council has struggled to make decisions on peace and security matters due to the veto power. She reiterated that the UN Charter clearly states that invading another state constitutes a violation and that the international community, particularly the Security Council, bears responsibility for protecting peace worldwide when the Security Council is unable to fulfill its obligations.

Baerbock hoped that emergency sessions of the UN General Assembly on Ukraine would continue until peace is restored. She highlighted that the Charter's principles should apply to all international conflicts, regardless of geography or the political influence of states, including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar. The current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is set to step down on December 31, and the new leader is scheduled to take office on January 1, 2027.

The Security Council is currently engaged in closed straw polls and a formal voting procedure to elect the next secretary-general, with Latin American and Caribbean representatives given priority in the current selection cycle.