1 for 8 Billion news
In a letter released yesterday, 1 for 7 Billion called on P5 members to identify themselves during a formal ballot should their negative vote prevent an otherwise successful candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General receiving the minimum number of nine positive votes - the threshold necessary for endorsement as the Security Council’s preferred choice.
On Tuesday 3 October, Bulgaria's candidate for UN Secretary-General, Kristalina Georgieva, took part in an "informal dialogue" with the UN General Assembly. Having spearheaded a more open, inclusive process, the 1 for 7 Billion campaign welcomes Ms Georgieva's engagement with the wider UN membership - an unprecedented addition to this year's selection process.
The UN Security Council held its fourth round of straw polls on 9 September to determine which candidate it will put forward to replace Ban Ki-moon as the next Secretary-General.
This latest round saw the former Prime Minister of Portugal and former head of the UN Refugee Agency, Antόnio Guterres, maintain his lead for the fourth time running.
Ten candidates vying for the position of UN Secretary-General will take part in the first ever televised debate on Tuesday 12 July, broadcast by Al Jazeera. Worldwide audiences will be given an unprecedented opportunity to watch the debate live, as candidates set out their visions for a stronger United Nations, capable of addressing the world's most pressing issues - from civil wars and terrorism, to climate change and forced migration.
Staff members of UN Departments, Funds, Programmes and Agencies have expressed their views on the type of Secretary-General that will help them continue to deliver the best possible implementation of the UN Charter and the mandates set by UN member states. The open letter below is available for signature by all UN staff members.
The Secretary-General's most important constituency is the world's seven billion citizens. By publicising candidates' background, statements and stated intentions with regard to civil society in an impartial manner we aim to contribute to civil society discussions about finding the best UN Secretary-General.
One World Trust has provided 1 for 7 Billion with a series of briefings on the UN Secretary-General selection process. The four briefings are written by scholars from around the world who are members of the Academic Council on the United Nations System (ACUNS), with a view to making the appointment process more open, inclusive and accountable
The 1 for 7 Billion campaign was delighted to see UN Secretary-General candidates take part in the first-ever hearings for this important job. Our campaign has pushed for an open, inclusive and merit-based selection process, with opportunities for candidates to engage with all UN member states and the wider public.
