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Originally published in PassBlue. Bolivia’s delegation to the United Nations circulated a letter to fellow member states announcing the nomination of the country’s Vice President David Choquehuanca as a candidate to succeed António Guterres as secretary-general of the UN. Guterres’s term finishes on Dec. 31, 2026.
Ahead of the member state discussion of the upcoming resolution on the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) selection process, the AHWG co-facilitators circulated an ‘elements paper’ to all member states. 1 for 8 Billion welcomes this step and is pleased to see promising signs of progress towards a more transparent and open selection process.
1 for 8 Billion briefed diplomats from the ACT group - a cross-regional group of 27 small and mid-sized countries . The presentation, delivered by 1 for 8 Billion’s Ben Donaldson, advocated for reforms to ensure a more open, inclusive process to select the next Secretary-General and opportunities for civil society collaboration in the upcoming process.
On 3 April, 1 for 8 Billion was delighted to take part in a lively discussion organised by the UN Foundation and the co-facilitators of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the General Assembly
Il est temps de se demander quel type de leader serait le mieux placé pour promouvoir les principes d’équité et d’égalité et façonner la diplomatie mondiale. Alors que la phase de décision se met en place, l’Afrique saisira-t-elle cette occasion pour affirmer son pouvoir collectif ou laissera-t-elle ses divisions affaiblir son influence?
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The zero draft contains measures which, if adopted, would create a more transparent, well-structured selection process with a more meaningful role for the General Assembly. While there are certain elements missing which we hope to see introduced during negotiations, overall, 1 for 8 BIllion welcomes the draft as a positive foundation to build on - read our commentary for more.