Senegal’s former president, Macky Sall, has called for peace and sustained diplomacy as he continues his bid to become the next United Nations Secretary-General.
Sall, one of four candidates seeking the UN’s top diplomatic position, made the remarks after an informal dialogue session with ambassadors from the organisation’s 193 member states on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters, Sall urged global powers involved in ongoing conflicts, including the United States, Israel, and Iran, to prioritise diplomatic engagement over military escalation.
He called for continued support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan and stressed the need for all parties to uphold ceasefires and work toward lasting agreements.
“We don’t need more bombs. We don’t need missiles. We need peace,” he said.
Sall also emphasised the link between peace, security, and development, advocating for an integrated global approach that connects security, human rights, and economic progress. He further called for stronger protection for vulnerable groups, including women and youth.
His appearance comes as the United Nations begins informal hearings for candidates seeking to replace Secretary-General António Guterres. Sall is among four contenders participating in the process this week, a smaller field compared to the previous selection cycle a decade ago.
He was endorsed by Burundi, though neither Senegal nor the African Union has officially backed his candidacy.
Earlier sessions featured Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet and Argentina’s UN nuclear chief Rafael Mariano Grossi, while UN trade chief Rebeca Grynspan also addressed member states before Sall.
The selection process takes place against a backdrop of deep geopolitical divisions, which have significantly limited the UN Security Council’s ability to act decisively on major conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Iran.
Analysts note that the paralysis within the Security Council has weakened the UN’s traditional role in maintaining global peace and security.
The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, with no fixed timeline for the final decision.
