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 But the selection process is secretive and outdated.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.
September 2015
What makes a strong UN leader?
Take the 1 for 7 Billion poll and share your views on the future of UN leadership.
July 2015
July 2015
UNA-UK's Executive Director makes the case for a fairer SG selection process in New World magazine
There is no silver bullet for UN reform, but a better way to select the Secretary-General comes close. Writing for UNA-UK's flagship publication, New World, Natalie Samarasinghe explores how a small reform could produce a more effective United Nations.
July 2015
July 2015
July 2015
Al Jazeera speaks to 1 for 7 Billion about overhauling SG selection process
"We're in the worst situation, where the countries with nuclear weapons pointed at each other decide who becomes secretary-general". William Pace of the 1 for 7 Billion steering committee discusses the urgent need to reform the process.
June 2015
1 for 7 Billion releases chart comparing appointment processes of top UN positions
The chart below reveals that, in comparison to other high-level UN positions, the appointment process for the UN Secretary-General is woefully inadequate, lacking the basic elements of a well-organised process.
June 2015
NEW BRIEFING: "A Democratic UN Starts With a Democratic Election of its Leader”
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung - New York has released a new briefing explaining how the search for Ban Ki-moon’s successor has become a global call for change. The author discusses reform propositions and explains why UN Member States should throw their weight behind this movement for democratizing the UN: First, a successful overhaul of the SG selection process would benefit their reputation as constructive UN actors. And second, it would increase credibility and effectiveness of the global organization.
1 for 7 Billion storms social media during UN General Assembly debate
In the run-up to the UN General Assembly debate on the selection process for the Secretary-General, 1 for 7 Billion launched a Thunderclap on social media. Over 360 individuals and organisations agreed to send a scheduled tweet on 27 April, calling on UN member states to speak up for a fairer selection process at the UN General Assembly.
Check out the slideshow below to see a few highlights from our social media storm.