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 But the selection process is secretive and outdated.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
Sixth straw poll reveals P5 positions on candidates
Sixth straw poll reveals P5 positions on candidates

The Security Council conducted its first ‘colour-coded’ straw poll of the Secretary-General candidates, differentiating the votes of the five veto-holding permanent members from the ten elected members.

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Fifth straw poll yields no definitive result
Fifth straw poll yields no definitive result

The Security Council conducted its fifth straw poll of Secretary-General candidates today, but the results did not indicate that the Security Council has reached strong agreement on any candidate.

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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. Rebeca Grynspan strengthened her position as the frontrunner having increased her total “encourage” votes from 9 to 10 since the previous poll.

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1 for 8 Billion hosts UNGA side event to push for transparency and integrity in final stretch
1 for 8 Billion hosts UNGA side event to push for transparency and integrity in final stretch

As world leaders gathered in New York for the opening week of the UN General Assembly, 1 for 8 Billion and the Government of Estonia convened a side event to discuss the decisive phase of the UN Secretary-General selection process on 22 September 2026.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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).

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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.

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