Former High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, painted the current UN Secretary-General selection process - the prerogative of just five countries – as “weak, opaque and, perhaps, even irrational”.
Al Jazeera: Is it time for a woman to lead the UN?
UNGA President-elect acknowledges widespread calls for reform
27 April debate: Urge states to speak up for a fairer process
With the help of its supporters, the 1 for 7 Billion campaign will create a social media storm on the morning of the 27 April debate to urge states to call for an end to the secretive, outdated appointment process that falls far short of basic recruitment standards
Elders urge thorough and open process irrespective of gender or region
1 for 7 Billion campaign causes "frisson of excitement at U.N.headquarters"
In his World Politics Review column, Richard Gowan argues that the next UN Secretary-General must choose between restoring the UN’s independence in pursuit of a bold internationalist agenda, or adopting a more cautious approach with the associated risks of 'political pulverization' in today's challenging geo-political landscape. He also finds that the 1 for 7 Billion campaign has caused "a frisson of excitement at U.N.headquarters".
Foreign Policy: The race for UN Secretary-General is rigged
In a detailed article for Foreign Policy, Colum Lynch laments the "utter lack of democratic process" in the elections for the world's "premier diplomatic job" and reviews the background of potential candidates from across the world. The article also describes the obstacles to opening up the selection process.