An ambitious and unifying vision for the United Nations
At a time of deep global transformation, shaped by overlapping crises, rising tensions, and major geopolitical realignments, international leadership is not an option : it is an imperative.
My candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations is grounded in a simple conviction: the moment calls for leadership that is clear-eyed, courageous, and action-oriented.
In a context of profound uncertainty, I am convinced that the United Nations remains the indispensable universal framework for dialogue and collective action, delivering concrete solutions to our shared challenges. The time has come for leadership that is clear-eyed, courageous, and decisively action-oriented.
A clear-eyed assessment
The world faces a convergence of crises: protracted conflicts, deepening geopolitical fractures, economic instability, rising debt in developing countries, mounting environmental challenges, and shifting technological balances.
At the same time, the United Nations faces a crisis of trust. Its effectiveness is questioned, its capacity to act is constrained, and its role is increasingly challenged.
And yet, its potential remains unmatched.
For the United Nations to continue upholding the ideals on which it was founded, to better meet the expectations of its Member States, and to address the challenges of the 21st century, it must be reformed, streamlined, and modernized.
A clear ambition : uniting a fragmented world
In an increasingly multipolar and complex world, one priority stands out: bridging divides and rebuilding trust.
This ambition is built on four pillars:
Restoring trust in multilateralism
by safeguarding its unity, its capacity to act, its moral authority, its credibility, and its effectiveness
The ability to forge consensus in a complex world
at the heart of a new global order
Fraternity in action
advanced through critical thinking and responsibility
Intergenerational dialogue
to reconcile legacy and innovation in the age of artificial intelligence
A commitment to renew multilateralism
Multilateralism is under strain. It is challenged, bypassed, and at times ignored. Its weakening would pave the way for a world where the law of the jungle prevails.
We cannot accept this trajectory.
Renewing multilateralism goes beyond technical adjustments.
It requires:
political courage
clear strategic direction
the proven capacity to forge consensus across divides
The United Nations does not need a bureaucrat.
It needs a bold, pragmatic consensus-builder capable of delivering concrete reforms.
The United Nations must return to its original vocation as the central platform for strategic dialogue, capable of delivering collective, credible, and effective responses; in collaboration with the Bretton Woods institutions, other international financial institutions, regional organizations and non-state partners.
Experience that drives action
My career has been driven by a commitment to serve.
Over nearly four decades in public life, including twelve years as Head of State and leadership roles at ECOWAS, NEPAD, the African Union, and other international bodies, I have developed a clear understanding of today’s challenges at every level.
This commitment, rooted in both local realities and global responsibilities, is essential to lead with pragmatism, openness, and a strong commitment to inclusion, ensuring that women and young people are fully engaged as drivers of progress and change.
Solidarity is not a stance. It is a responsibility.
Three priorities for action
Forge an integrated vision of peace, security, development, and shared prosperity
My objective is to streamline field operations, avoid duplication, and maximize impact, with a particular focus on structurally fragile countries.
Renew and revitalize multilateralism
Adapting the United Nations to a multipolar world and to the health, technological, and economic challenges of the 21st century. This will require reform of the Security Council and the revitalization of the General Assembly.
Strengthen global governance
Building on reforms already underway, three guiding principles will shape my approach to governance: streamline, simplify, optimize.
Reform with purpose, unite with intelligence
The United Nations must evolve.
But no reform can succeed without the commitment of its Member States.
We must simplify, streamline, and optimize, but above all, convince, bring people together, and align efforts.
The role of the Secretary-General is clear:
To build convergence, not impose solutions.
A United Nations focused on what matters most
Faced with major global challenges — security, climate, health, technology, migration, debt – the United Nations must once again become the strategic hub of international cooperation.
A platform capable of delivering credible responses in partnership with international financial institutions, states, regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
Pragmatic, consensus-driven leadership
My ambition is to serve as a Secretary-General:
who unites
who acts
who drives change
The time for cautious balancing alone has passed. Now is the time for action.
Lasting reform cannot be imposed. It must be understood, accepted, and shared.
Conclusion
The world needs a United Nations that is strong, respected, and effective.
A United Nations that delivers action and brings people together.
I am ready to take on this responsibility.
Macky Sall: Experience That Serves the World
Former President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall embodies a career defined by commitment, discipline, and leadership in the service of the common good. Born on December 11, 1961, in Fatick, Senegal, he is married and the father of three children.
With a background in geology and geophysics, he has developed a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach to today’s challenges. This experience continues to shape his commitment to dialogue among peoples and international cooperation.
Over many years in public service, he rose through the ranks to the highest office, holding some of Senegal’s top positions, including Prime Minister (2004-2007), President of the National Assembly (2007-2008), and President of the Republic for two terms (2012-2024). His leadership was marked by major reforms and significant progress in infrastructure, energy, education, healthcare, and economic development, with a strong focus on territorial equity and social justice.
On the international stage, Macky Sall has emerged as a leading voice for peace, stability, and sustainable development. As Chair of the African Union (2022-2023), he championed the continent’s priorities on the global stage and played a key role in advancing Africa’s integration into the G20. He also chaired ECOWAS and the NEPAD Steering Committee, actively contributing to the economic and institutional transformation of the African continent. His international engagement has consistently been guided by a commitment to consensus and the promotion of multilateralism in a fragmented world.
He has also served as Special Envoy for the Paris Pact for People and the Planet and as Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation, where he consistently worked to advance practical solutions to environmental challenges.
Recognized for his role in fostering dialogue, his openness, and his attachment to universal values, Macky Sall has received numerous international and academic distinctions. He holds honorary doctorates from several universities and is a member of prestigious academies.
He is the author of two books: Le Sénégal au cœur et L’Afrique au cœur, (English edition: Leading from the Heart). Guided by a vision of leadership grounded in listening, courage, responsibility, and action, Macky Sall aims to place his experience, his ability to bring people together, and his strategic vision at the service of the international community, with the ambition of strengthening the role of the United Nations in addressing the major challenges of the 21st century.
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Macky Sall's candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General
Press release
Macky Sall's candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General was officially submitted and registered by the President of Burundi, the incumbent Chairperson of the African Union, on 2 March 2026
