Two Women Candidates Compete for UN Secretary General Position Amid Calls for Gender Equality

Original: Two women leaders in fray to become next Secretary General of United Nations

The Economic Times•Apr 7, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

The United Nations is set to elect its next Secretary General, with two women candidates—Michelle Bachelet and Rebeca Grynspan—among the four nominees. This election marks a significant moment as advocacy groups push for the first female leader in the UN's 80-year history, emphasizing the need for gender equality in global leadership roles.

Key Points

01Two women, Michelle Bachelet and Rebeca Grynspan, are nominated for the UN Secretary General position.
02The election process begins with interactive dialogues on April 21 and 22, 2024.
03Current UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres will complete his term in December 2026.
04Advocacy groups are urging member states to support female candidates.
05The UN has never had a female Secretary General in its 80-year history.

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Full Summary

The United Nations is preparing for the election of its next Secretary General, featuring two women candidates, Michelle Bachelet (former President of Chile) and Rebeca Grynspan (former Vice President of Costa Rica). The election process will begin with interactive dialogues at UN Headquarters on April 21 and 22, 2024. Current Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who has held the position since 2017, will complete his term in December 2026. Advocacy groups are emphasizing the importance of electing a woman to this role, as the UN has never had a female leader in its 80-year history. The General Assembly has previously encouraged member states to nominate women for the position, reflecting a growing call for gender equality in global leadership. Campaigns like Woman SG and 1 for 8 billion are pushing for a transparent and inclusive election process, highlighting the need for a leader committed to gender equality and human rights.

Key Figures