Turkey nominates veteran diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu for UN secretary general

Turkey has officially nominated its former foreign minister Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu to become the next United Nations secretary general. State media reported the nomination on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The candidacies of Sinirlioglu were also reported by Firstpost, Middle East Eye, and POLITIS. [1][2][3][4][5]

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially backed the submission, according to France 24. Erdogan has been vocal in calling for the reform of the United Nations Security Council. Middle East Eye also identified Sinirlioglu as the head of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [1][3]

The successful candidate will succeed Antonio Guterres, who has led the international organisation for nearly ten years. France 24 reported that the United Nations is currently under pressure to reform as it finds itself sidelined during conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. [1][2]

The current secretary general, Antonio Guterres of Portugal, will complete his second term on December 31, 2026. Sinirlioglu previously served as the ambassador of Turkey to the United Nations, as France 24 reported. [1][6]