U.S. urges UN to prioritize peace over ideology as secretary-general poll looms

In its first public comment on the UN secretary-general search, a State Department spokesman urged the United Nations to return to its primary purpose of preserving world peace, rejecting what he described as "absurd, politicized, woke ideology." The remark comes as the UN Security Council prepares for its third secret straw poll, in which 15 members will cast "encourage," "discourage" or "no opinion" votes on eight candidates still in the race.

The poll’s outcome will not be released, but historically the results have leaked to the media and can signal emerging frontrunners. Candidates’ standings have shifted: former Costa Rican vice president Rebeca Grynspan fell to second place, while Guyana’s former foreign minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett led the latest poll. Other contenders include International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, former Ecuadorian foreign minister María Fernanda Espinosa, and ex-Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, who received few "encourage" votes.

The United States said it wants a practical, reform-oriented secretary-general who can safeguard member contributions and streamline UN management. Israeli ambassador Danny Danon called the election a test for the UN’s future, noting Israel will assess candidates on their stance against terrorism and antisemitism.