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.

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.

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).

On 28 July, the President of the UN Security Council, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, announced that straw polls scheduled for the 30 July would go ahead, and that late entrant to the Secretary-General race, Olara Otunnu, would be included on the ballot papers. 

Representatives of the 1 for 8 Billion campaign briefed the ACT group of 27 small and mid-sized countries on our recent report “Backroom Deals” exploring the trade in promises for support between member states and candidates for UN Secretary-General.

The 1 for 8 Billion campaign’s new report today shedding light on the secretive process by which powerful countries attempt to strike deals with Secretary-General candidates in exchange for their support

During Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett’s informal dialogue, Denmark—on behalf of the ACT Group—asked Ms. Rodrigues Birkett whether she was willing to uphold 1 for 8 Billion’s Principles for Integrity in UN Secretary-General Campaigns. Ms. Rodrigues Birkett responded yes.

At a public event in London, all participating candidates were asked whether they would commit to the Principles for Integrity. Three of the candidates responded yes: Michelle Bachelet, María Fernanda Espinosa, and Rebeca Grynspan. 

During a recent civil society event in London, Secretary-General candidate Michelle Bachelet made news by announcing her support for the next Secretary-General to serve only one term in office. 

1 for 8 Billion Global South campaign partners have published comparative research analysing the institutional and systemic conditions facing the next UN Secretary-General selection.