Kevin Rudd May Run for United Nations Secretary-General

On January 27, Sky News reported that former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is considering a bid for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. According to sources, after discussions with various government and diplomatic figures, Rudd is weighing a campaign for the top UN post.

AFR political editor Phil Coorey told Sky News that he expects Rudd would receive bipartisan support if he decides to run. “There’s a lot of diplomacy involved here. Rudd is very skilled at it. Maybe they’ll just give him the materials directly so he won’t ask any questions,” Coorey said.

Rudd previously attempted to run for the post in 2016 but was blocked by then‑Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. The current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, will complete his second five-year term on December 31, 2026. So far, four candidates from Chile, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Bolivia have been nominated to succeed Guterres. However, if Rudd enters the race, his extensive diplomatic experience would make him a strong contender.

Currently serving as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Rudd will step down early in March to take on a leadership role at the Asia Society think tank. He is widely expected to secure bipartisan support in a bid for the United Nations Secretary-General position.