As the race to succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General of the United Nations gathers momentum, former Senegalese President Macky Sall has significantly intensified his international diplomatic campaign. Within the span of a single month, he has held a series of high-level meetings across Europe, Asia, and Africa, promoting his vision of a United Nations that is more representative, more effective, and better equipped to address the challenges of the 21st century.
A Diplomatic Campaign in Full Swing
June 2026 highlighted the intensity of Macky Sall’s diplomatic outreach. Fully aware that the selection of the next UN Secretary-General is shaped as much in influential capitals as within multilateral institutions, the former Senegalese leader has engaged in a succession of strategic consultations with key international partners.
His objective is clear: to build broad international support by emphasizing his experience as an African head of state, his commitment to international dialogue, and his determination to modernize the United Nations while preserving its institutional balance.
Beijing: A Strategic Stop
On June 29, Macky Sall was received in Beijing by Wang Yi. The meeting carried particular significance, as China is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power over the appointment of the next Secretary-General.
During their discussions, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s commitment to a strong United Nations capable of maintaining its central leadership role in international affairs. He also stressed that the next Secretary-General should respond positively to the expectations of member states, particularly those of the Global South.
For his part, Macky Sall advocated a “gradual and pragmatic” approach to UN reform, arguing that the organization can be modernized while safeguarding the authority and effectiveness of the Security Council. He also reaffirmed his support for the One China principle and expressed his willingness to deepen South-South cooperation.
Advocating for a Renewed Multilateralism
A few days earlier, on June 25, Macky Sall participated in the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity in South Korea. Speaking during the panel titled “Reinventing Multilateralism,” he outlined his vision of a United Nations capable of restoring confidence among nations.
According to him, the next Secretary-General must serve as a genuine bridge-builder, fostering dialogue at a time when the international community faces mounting geopolitical tensions, climate challenges, armed conflicts, and economic uncertainty. He also proposed making resilience the guiding principle of the next global agenda.
Strengthening European Support
Macky Sall’s diplomatic efforts have also focused on Europe. On June 17, he welcomed Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in Dakar. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to adapting the United Nations to today’s realities while upholding the UN Charter and international law.
Earlier in the month, on June 2, Macky Sall met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris. Following the meeting, the former Senegalese president praised what he described as productive discussions centered on a shared vision of an ambitious, reformed, and revitalized United Nations capable of improving its effectiveness, representativeness, and responsiveness to both states and their peoples.
A Candidacy Gaining Momentum
Drawing on twelve years of leadership in Senegal, extensive knowledge of development issues, and substantial experience on the international stage, Macky Sall is increasingly emerging as one of the strongest contenders among the candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres.
His campaign is built around a message advocating meaningful multilateral reform, stronger international cooperation, and greater recognition of the priorities of the Global South. These themes appear to be resonating with an increasing number of international partners.
Nevertheless, the contest remains highly competitive. The decisive phase will take place within the UN Security Council, whose recommendation will play a crucial role before the final vote by the General Assembly.
For now, Macky Sall continues his worldwide diplomatic outreach. His recent pledge to work “with China and the broader international community to strengthen unity within the United Nations” reflects his ambition to build consensus across geopolitical divides—an approach that could prove decisive in a race where every diplomatic endorsement matters.
