1 for 8 Billion will be holding events with civil society and diplomats during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly as world leaders gather to set out their stall for the year ahead (see below for event details).
When it comes to the future of the UN one of the most consequential decisions on the horizon is the appointment of the next UN Secretary-General. With the race due to start before the end of the calendar year, this year’s diplomatic gathering in New York will be one of the last moments to make the case for a fair, open and inclusive selection process.
Members of the 1 for 8 Billion team will be available for media interviews and commentary on the upcoming Secretary-General selection process - please direct inquiries to Ben on ben@1for8billion.org.
If you represent an NGO looking to get involved with the campaign, please sign-up using this form - for any questions please email Ruth on blakey@una.org.uk. If you are in New York and would like to meet with a member of the team please email ben@1for8billion.org.
The 1 for 8 Billion team is co-organising two events:
Monday 22 September: It’s HER turn: Tracking Member States’ Commitments on Selecting a Woman Secretary-General of the UN
Time: 10:30 EDT
Hosts: The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), in partnership with 1 for 8 Billion, NYU Center for Global Affairs (CGA), Nobel Women’s Initiative,
Venue: The UN Church Center 8th Floor Conference Room
The upcoming selection of the next United Nations Secretary-General (SG) provides a historic opportunity to advance gender equality and feminist leadership at the highest levels of multilateralism. Despite 80 years of UN history, no woman has ever been elected Secretary-General. The persistent gender gap in global leadership undermines the credibility of the UN’s commitments to gender equality, human rights, and inclusive governance.
The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), in partnership with 1 for 8 Billion, NYU Center for Global Affairs (CGA), Nobel Women’s Initiative, and other civil society allies, will convene a strategy meeting to galvanize feminist advocacy around the call for a Feminist Woman Secretary-General. The discussion will highlight findings from GNWP’s ongoing tracker and analysis of Member State positions, as well as strategies to engage governments, civil society, and media in the lead-up to the 2026 selection process.
Register for the event here.
Tuesday 23 September: A New Vision for Global Leadership: Selecting the Next UN Secretary-General
Time: 1:15pm EDT
Hosts: The International Peace Institute (IPI) and the Government of Estonia, in partnership with 1 for 8 Billion, the United Nations Association
Venue: UN Trusteeship Council
The International Peace Institute (IPI) and the Government of Estonia, in partnership with 1 for 8 Billion, the United Nations Association of the UK (UNA-UK), and CIVICUS, are pleased to invite you to a high-level policy forum on “A New Vision for Global Leadership: Selecting the Next UN Secretary-General.” The event will take place at the United Nations on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 1:15 to 2:30pm EDT.
The event will feature keynote remarks by the President of Estonia, H.E. Alar Karis, followed by a dynamic panel discussion. The panel will be chaired by IPI President Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.
The event will be live-streamed on UN WebTV. Please note in order to receive a UN pass to attend this event, you must register no later than 5pm on 16 September.