Pakistan, July 23 -- The six candidates seeking to become the next United Nations secretary-general are set to participate in a televised debate on Thursday, just one week before the formal selection process begins for one of the world's most influential diplomatic positions.

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The 90-minute event, to be held in the UN General Assembly Hall, will feature questions from diplomats, UN staff and civil society representatives. The debate will also be broadcast publicly, giving member states and global audiences a chance to hear the candidates' visions for leading the organisation.

The candidates are Michelle Bachelet of Chile, Maria Fernanda Espinosa of Ecuador, Rafael Grossi of...