12-01-2026
A historic moment is approaching. In the selection
process for the next UN Secretary-General, 200 civil society
organisations and 300 individuals are calling for women candidates and
for the active involvement of civil society through the 1 for 8 Billion campaign. WO=MEN and the Politica alliance are signatories to this call.
Together with the 1 for 8 Billion campaign, WO=MEN and the Politica alliance urge UN Member States to demonstrate clear leadership: publicly commit to supporting only women candidates in the upcoming selection process and encourage other Member States to do the same.
In addition, the campaign advocates for a transparent and inclusive selection procedure, with meaningful participation from civil society.
The next Secretary-General must be a woman
According to 1 for 8 Billion, following 80 years of male leadership, one conclusion is unavoidable: the next Secretary-General shouldbe a woman. Persistent inequality at the highest level of global governance can no longer be justified.
This requires a leader with demonstrated experience in advancing gender equality and a strong commitment to peace, human rights, sustainable development, multilateralismand civil society participation. Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a core principle of the United Nations. It is essential to achieving a peaceful, just and sustainable world.
Break down systems that prioritise the familiar over the qualified
The campaign emphasises that supporting women in leadership does not diminish standards, it strengthens them. For decades, opportunities have been constrained by systems that favour the familiar over the most qualified candidates. The continued absence of women at the highest level is not due to lack of competence, but to structural barriers.
According to the 1 for 8 Billion
campaign, this is a historic moment that demands courage and decisive
action. Member Stated are called upon to actively support equality, transparency and inclusion in the selection process.
