The 1 for 8 Billion launched today a set of Principles for Integrity in UN Secretary-General Campaigns. We encourage all candidates to pledge to uphold these Principles to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.
This new initiative aims to increase public trust in the campaign process and confidence in the United Nations and its leadership. The Principles reflect the spirit of reforms captured in successive General Assembly resolutions as well as other documents laying out expectations of the candidates from member states.
The full text of the Principles is presented below.
In order to embody the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in my campaign for UN Secretary-General, I commit to:
1. Publishing financial disclosures and declaring conflicts of interest. I will publish updates on the sources and extent of my campaign funding regularly throughout the campaign period.
2. Communicating clearly about my campaign platform and engaging with civil society, including by participating in town halls and other civil society-hosted events, to share my vision for the role and respond to feedback. My campaign platform will include clear and measurable goals for making the United Nations fit for purpose.
3. Participating in structured and transparent processes in both the General Assembly and the Security Council. I will participate in interactive dialogues with the full UN membership at the General Assembly as well as consultations with the Security Council, and will circulate my vision statement in advance of these meetings. I encourage the Security Council to officially announce the results of its straw polls in order to promote transparency.
4. Respecting Article 100 of the UN Charter. I will protect the principle of independence from member states, including with respect to appointments to senior posts.
5. Avoiding conflicts of interest with my current UN position (if applicable). If I am currently serving as a UN official, I will ensure appropriate separation of my campaign activities and my official duties during the Secretary-General selection process.
The 1 for 8 Billion campaign has sent a letter to all candidates sharing these Principles and encouraging them to pledge publicly to uphold the Principles for Integrity in UN Secretary-General Campaigns. All replies received from candidates will be published here.