mary robinson

The public wants a UN leader with "the courage to stand up to powerful countries"

In September 2015, 1 for 7 Billion launched a public poll to generate discussion on the role of the UN Secretary-General. The poll asked questions about the issues the next Secretary-General should prioritise and the qualities she or he should possess to be an effective leader of the United Nations.

Mary Robinson dubs selection process for UN chief as “morally inexcusable”

Former High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, painted the current UN Secretary-General selection process - the prerogative of just five countries – as “weak, opaque and, perhaps, even irrational”.

Al Jazeera: Is it time for a woman to lead the UN?

Recognising the absence of women in the UN's list of leaders, Al Jazeera speaks to 1 for 7 Billion about overhauling the process by which the UN Secretary-General is selected.