The UN Secretary-General plays a crucial role in tackling global challenges and improving the lives of seven billion people. It is vital that the best person is chosen for the job. But the selection process is secretive and outdated. Just five countries hold sway over a decision that affects us all. The next Secretary-General will be appointed in 2016.

Individuals from across the world as well as organisations including Amnesty International, Avaaz, Forum Asia and more than 100 others are already on board. Eminent personalities like Kofi Annan and increasing numbers of governments support our aims. Candidates are putting themselves forward. Horse-trading is already underway. We need to act now.

The world needs good leadership. Join our campaign to get the Secretary-General we need.

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LATEST
AHWG elements paper sets positive tone
AHWG elements paper sets positive tone

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.

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1 for 8 Billion briefs ACT group of 27 member states
1 for 8 Billion briefs ACT group of 27 member states

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.

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1 for 8 Billion presents proposals for reform at co-facilitators meeting
1 for 8 Billion presents proposals for reform at co-facilitators meeting

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

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L'Afrique a un rôle clé dans le choix du prochain Secrétaire général de l’ONU
L'Afrique a un rôle clé dans le choix du prochain Secrétaire général de l’ONU

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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New tool tracks Member State commitments to a feminist woman UN leader
New tool tracks Member State commitments to a feminist woman UN leader

New tool from GNWP, NYU SPS CGA, and 1 for Billion shows 92 UN Member States express strong support for a woman UN Secretary-General. Use our new tool to check out your country’s position.

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Momentum growing for changes to the upcoming SG selection process
Momentum growing for changes to the upcoming SG selection process

On Thursday 20 February states in the General Assembly called for significant improvements to the upcoming Secretary-General (SG) selection process. A resolution negotiation will now follow, expected to be adopted in time to improve the upcoming SG selection process.

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Opinion: Africa has a pivotal role in choosing a new UN secretary-general
Opinion: Africa has a pivotal role in choosing a new UN secretary-general

The next head of the United Nations will be appointed in 2026. It’s time to start thinking about what type of leader will be best placed to push principles of fairness and equality and shape global diplomacy, writes Gabriela Keseberg Dávalos in Devex.

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53 states show "strong" or "very strong" support for a woman SG
53 states show "strong" or "very strong" support for a woman SG

Mavic Cabrera Balleza, Ben Donaldson and Anne Marie Goetz write on what latest research shows about members states support for appointing a feminist woman as the next Secretary-General

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1 for 8 Billion urges states to grasp final opportunity for reform ahead of next SG race
1 for 8 Billion urges states to grasp final opportunity for reform ahead of next SG race

1 for 8 Billion’s discussion paper, circulated to all member states, asks them to seize the last opportunity to implement reforms in the General Assembly before the next Secretary-General selection process begins later this year.

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1 for 8 Billion welcomes campaign partners from the Southern Voice network
1 for 8 Billion welcomes campaign partners from the Southern Voice network

The 1 for 8 Billion Campaign is proud to welcome five new campaign partners. Our partners bring a diverse range of expertise and are vital for ensuring that voices from across the globe can contribute to shaping the UN Secretary-General's selection process in 2026.

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