Climate collapse, pandemics, conflicts. The UN Secretary-General, perhaps more than anyone else on the planet, can mobilise the world to address these crises. The UN is gearing up to select its new chief and the next 12 months are critical if we are to positively impact the process.

The time has come for the world to appoint a feminist woman leader who can rise to this challenge.

The 1 for 8 Billion campaign is working to help build a fairer, more open, more inclusive selection process, and boost public and political interest in this vital decision. The campaign is shining a light on this process and will work to expose any efforts to undermine its integrity or stand in the way of the most talented candidates.

The nominations phase of the official Secretary-General selection process is expected to begin in late 2025. Crucial work must happen before then to lay the groundwork for a fair, open process and mobilise civil society ready for the race.

The event marks the launch of 1 for 8 Billion’s new policy platform and will bring together a high-level panel to discuss the course forward for a fair and inclusive selection process for the next UN chief. Taking place in the run-up to the Summit of the Future, the event will also discuss opportunities arising from the Pact for the Future - drafts of which encourage Member States to nominate women as candidates to become the next Secretary-General.

We hope you will join us and our distinguished panel.

H.E. Maritza Chan-Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the UN
Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and member of the Elders
Susana Malcorra, President and Founder, GWL Voices
Shamala Kandiah Thompson, Incoming Executive Director, Security Council Report

Moderator: Natalie Samarasinghe, Adviser, Global Challenges Foundation and a co-founder of 1 for 8 Billion

To RSVP, please complete the registration form.

NB: if you represent an organisation which is not already an NGO supporter of 1 for 8 Billion, please consider endorsing our principles and signing up here - it only takes a minute.

Madame Secretary-General: 1 year to prepare the ground for a fair and inclusive SG selection