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 But the selection process is secretive and outdated.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.

Click here to sign up | Click here for our policy platform

LATEST
Grynspan strengthens lead in fourth straw poll
Grynspan strengthens lead in fourth straw poll

The Security Council conducted its fourth straw poll of candidates to become the next Secretary-General.

Read more →
New report maps out what happens if the Security Council cannot recommend a candidate
New report maps out what happens if the Security Council cannot recommend a candidate

Based on historical precedents as well as the latest developments in the Secretary-General selection process, this briefing maps out and analyses the different options available should the Security-Council be unable to make a viable recommendation.

Read more →
UN Security Council conducts third straw poll
UN Security Council conducts third straw poll

Grynspan and Rodrigues Birkett continue to hold the top two spots in the latest straw poll, while Grossi slips to fourth place behind Otunnu.

Read more →
Full set of candidate policy profiles now available!
Full set of candidate policy profiles now available!

Our partnership with 15 leading NGOs to scrutinize the policies of each candidate continues with the release of policy analyses of Ivonne A-Baki and Olara Otunnu.

Read more →
1 for 8 Billion letter to Security Council urging transparency and integrity in final phase of selection
1 for 8 Billion letter to Security Council urging transparency and integrity in final phase of selection

1 for 8 Billion together with members of its NGO coalition has written to members of the Security Council to urge support for transparency, fairness and integrity in the process

Read more →
Rodrigues Birkett overtakes Grynspan in second Security Council straw poll
Rodrigues Birkett overtakes Grynspan in second Security Council straw poll

On 21 August, the Security Council conducted its second straw poll of Secretary-General candidates. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett received the highest number of ‘encourage’ votes (8) followed by Rebeca Grynspan and Rafael Grossi (7 each).

Read more →
Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett Releases Updated Financial Disclosure
Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett Releases Updated Financial Disclosure

All candidates were required to release financial disclosures upon their nomination, but Rodrigues Birkett is the first to release an updated disclosure several months into her campaign.

Read more →
Latin America and Caribbean candidates gather for regional dialogue
Latin America and Caribbean candidates gather for regional dialogue

On 3 August 2026 a regional dialogue was convened by the Government of Uruguay, in its capacity as Pro Tempore President of CELAC, together with 1 for 8 Billion steering committee member GQUAL Campaign and Cepei Think Tank. Read a first hand account by Maria Noel Leoni, Campaign Director at GQUAL Campaign.

Read more →
Regional dialogue: Latin America and the Caribbean candidates convene in Uruguay
Regional dialogue: Latin America and the Caribbean candidates convene in Uruguay

On 3 August the five candidates from Latin America and the Caribbean for UN Secretary-General will take part in a discussion convened by the Government of Uruguay, the GQUAL Campaign and Cepei.

Read more →
UN Security Council conducts first straw poll
UN Security Council conducts first straw poll

On Thursday 30 July, the UN Security Council conducted its first ‘straw poll’, indicating the level of support for each Secretary-General candidate. Rebeca Grynspan received the highest number of “encourage” votes (10), followed by Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (9) and Rafael Grossi (7).

Read more →