Former UN Deputy Chief Pino Arlacchi Launches Bid for Secretary-General

Former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Pino Arlacchi has announced his candidacy to succeed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose second term is set to end on December 31. Speaking at a press conference at Rome’s Foreign Press Club on Monday, Arlacchi called for sweeping reforms, warning that the organization risks becoming irrelevant unless it undergoes rapid and significant change.

Arlacchi, who served as UN Deputy Secretary-General from 1997 to 2002, argued that the United Nations has failed to play a decisive role in addressing major international crises. He cited the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict in Gaza, and the recent conflict involving Iran as examples where, in his view, the organization has been largely marginalized.

Calling for what he described as a “re-foundation” of the United Nations, Arlacchi said the institution must adapt to today’s geopolitical realities to remain effective. His candidacy comes ahead of the selection process for the UN’s next secretary-general, who will take office after Guterres’ term concludes at the end of the year.