Ecuador's Ivonne Baki Enters Race for UN Secretary-General

Ecuadorian diplomat Ivonne Baki has officially entered the contest to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to documents released on Tuesday.

Baki's candidacy was put forward by Tonga, a Pacific island nation, placing her among a field of eight contenders vying to succeed Antonio Guterres when his term concludes next year.

The development adds a new name to an already competitive race for the top UN post, which is traditionally rotated across regions and requires broad support from the Security Council and General Assembly.

Baki brings decades of diplomatic experience to the campaign, having served in various international roles throughout her career. Her nomination by Tonga signals support from the Pacific region, a bloc that has historically played a significant role in UN leadership selections.

As the selection process moves forward, the eight candidates will undergo informal dialogues with UN member states, where they will present their visions for the organization's future. The final decision rests with the Security Council, which will recommend a single nominee to the General Assembly for approval.