Grynspan strengthens lead in fourth straw poll
As world leaders gathered in New York for the opening week of the UN General Assembly, 1 for 8 Billion and the Government of Estonia convened a side event to discuss the decisive phase of the UN Secretary-General selection process on 22 September 2026.
Based on historical precedents as well as the latest developments in the Secretary-General selection process, this briefing maps out and analyses the different options available should the Security-Council be unable to make a viable recommendation.
Grynspan and Rodrigues Birkett continue to hold the top two spots in the latest straw poll, while Grossi slips to fourth place behind Otunnu.
Our partnership with 15 leading NGOs to scrutinize the policies of each candidate continues with the release of policy analyses of Ivonne A-Baki and Olara Otunnu.
1 for 8 Billion together with members of its NGO coalition has written to members of the Security Council to urge support for transparency, fairness and integrity in the process
A worldwide network calling for a better process to select the UN Secretary-General
Our reform recommendations for states in the General Assembly
1 for 8 Billion's five priorities for the selection process
Write to your government and ask them to support a woman SG
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The Security Council conducted its fourth straw poll of candidates to become the next Secretary-General. Rebeca Grynspan strengthened her position as the frontrunner having increased her total “encourage” votes from 9 to 10 since the previous poll.