International Day of Women in Multilateralism
On the #InternationalDayofWomeninMultilateralism, we highlight one of the most consequential gender gaps in global diplomacy: the leadership of the United Nations itself.
As the highest representative of the multilateral system, the UN Secretary-General embodies the promise of international cooperation on peace, human rights, and sustainable development – at a time of rising conflict, climate crisis, threats to the rule of law, and growing distrust in multilateralism.
This leadership matters. It can help restore confidence in the international system — or further erode its legitimacy.
With a new Secretary-General to be appointed in 2026, there is a historic opportunity to end eight decades of exclusion and align the UN’s leadership with the values it claims to uphold. The UN’s moral authority depends on transforming both how it leads — and who leads it.
🔹 Legitimacy through openness and participation
A credible selection process must be transparent, merit-based, and inclusive, with meaningful civil society engagement and public scrutiny.
🔹 Equality and change must begin at the top
The UN cannot champion gender equality globally or respond to global challenges effectively while excluding women from its highest office.
🔹 Leadership for a moment of crisis
The UN needs a Secretary-General firmly committed to the Charter and its three pillars: human rights, peace and security, and sustainable development.
To support this moment, we are sharing a document developed with our @1 for 8 Billion partners outlining the criteria and leadership profile needed for the next Secretary-General.
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