COMMUNITY

As global debates on equality, leadership, and the future of multilateralism took center stage during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the question of who will lead the United Nations next could not remain outside the conversation.

At a time of deep geopolitical tension, growing mistrust in international institutions, and persistent backlash against gender equality, the selection of the next UN Secretary-General is not simply a matter of succession. It is one of the most consequential decisions for the future credibility, legitimacy, and direction of the multilateral system.

GQUAL, including through its role as member of the Steering Committee for 1 for 8 Billions, continues to push not only for the appointment of the first woman UN Secretary-General, but also for a process that is more open, inclusive, and responsive to the wider international community that helps define a discussion on the kind of leadership and agenda that the UN and the current context requires.

That message was at the center of two events held during CSW70.

On March 13, GQUAL took part in “UN Leadership: The Next Secretary-General Must Be a Woman,” convened by WomanSG, a powerful reminder that, after eighty years of UN history, the continued absence of a woman in the Organization’s top leadership post is not due to a lack of qualified candidates, but to a lack of political will. 

The discussion also made clear that representation alone is not enough. The UN does not simply need any woman in the role, but a leader with the independence, vision, and commitment to peace, human rights, international law, and gender equality that this moment demands.

The event brought together voices with deep experience and credibility on the issue, including Maria Noel Leoni, Deputy Executive Director, CEJIL & Founding Member, GQUAL; Jean Krasno, Chair of Woman SG; Gillian Sorensen, Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General; Board member International Rescue Committee and Susana Malcorra, President and Co Founder of GWL Voices; whose reflections underscored both the historical significance and the institutional urgency of this leadership transition. It also created space to highlight key advocacy priorities being advanced collectively through the 1 for 8 Billion campaign.

That conversation continued on March 16, when GQUAL joined CIVICUS and 1 for 8 Billion to co-host the side event “Opening the UN Secretary-General Selection Process: Transparency, Participation, and Leadership,” with the support of the Permanent Mission of Estonia to the United Nations.

The event brought together advocates and experts committed to strengthening the legitimacy, openness, and representativeness of one of the most important leadership appointments in the multilateral system. The discussion was moderated by Jesselina Rana of CIVICUS and featured Dr. Jean Krasno of 1 for 8 Billion & WomanSG, Prof. Linda Mhando of the Economic and Social Research Foundation, Marita Perceval, President of Feministas sin Fronteras and former Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations, and Ishaan Shah of the United Nations Foundation.

Three priorities emerged clearly from that discussion.

Transparency. Without it, there can be no accountability. Deliberations must be more open, candidates’ independence safeguarded, and back-room negotiations avoided. Candidates and Member States should endorse ethical guidelines for the campaign.

Participation. Civil society must be able to engage meaningfully, including asking questions during informal dialogues. Candidates should engage beyond the formal process and beyond New York. The broader UN membership must also play a stronger role – including through General Assembly leadership, straw polls, multiple candidates from the Security Council, and a vote if necessary.

Leadership. The process must focus on the kind of leadership this moment demands – leadership capable of restoring the UN’s credibility and legitimacy, and leading differently.

Taken together, these two CSW70 events helped reinforce a central point that GQUAL and its partners continue to advance: the process matters as much as the result. Achieving the appointment of the first woman Secretary-General would be historic, but history alone is not enough. What is also needed is a process capable of reflecting the values the United Nations is meant to uphold: openness, fairness, participation, representation, and accountability, and an opportunity to shape a common vision on the kind of leadership and agenda that the moment requires. 

As momentum builds around the next selection cycle, GQUAL will continue to support this call— not only to help make possible the election of the first woman Secretary-General, but also to help ensure that the path toward that decision is more transparent, inclusive, and legitimate for all.