Former senior officials say electing a woman UN secretary-general could restore trust amid institutional strains

At a DevEx‑hosted panel during UN General Assembly Week, former senior officials pressed governments to nominate and support women for the next secretary‑general of the United Nations, saying a woman could strengthen the institution’s legitimacy at a moment of deep political strain.

Rajkumar, moderator and a DevEx editor, opened the session by noting that Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres is entering his final term and that member states will select his successor. He asked panelists how advocates should keep the question of a woman nominee front and center amid competing priorities.

Susana Malcorra, former minister of foreign affairs of Argentina and a co‑founder of Global Women Leaders for Change and Inclusion, said the organization formed after the 2016 contest when several women ran but none prevailed. “Why not,” she asked rhetorically about a woman serving as secretary‑general, adding that a woman could offer different approaches to bridge building and to addressing over‑militarization.

Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand, described the UN selection system as unlike a national democratic contest and said it is effectively shaped by the five permanent Security Council members. “Why shouldn't the secretary‑general be elected by a vote in the General Assembly?” Clark asked, saying that the 2016 field included many women but that none reached the top rounds of voting.

Irina Bokova, former foreign minister of Bulgaria and former director‑general of UNESCO, urged more governments to nominate women and emphasized that candidates must present a clear vision for multilateralism and demonstrate the credibility to mobilize governments and partners.

Panelists also warned of declining transparency: Malcorra and others said a recent General Assembly revitalization resolution has reduced mechanisms for civil society dialogue and public engagement in the selection process, creating what they called a “pushback” against openness.

All three argued that the next secretary‑general will need to balance two roles: the administrative (the “secretary” of the organization) and the diplomatic moral voice (the “general”) who can convene actors during crises. They pointed to the UN80 reform process and likely budget cuts as additional pressures requiring a leader who can reorganize the institution and advocate for its value.

The panel closed with a reminder of the SG’s convening power: Malcorra used the situation in Gaza as an example of where, despite broken principles, proposals still surface that begin with UN participation. Rajkumar thanked the speakers for their insider perspectives on how candidates and advocates might navigate the unusual, high‑stakes selection process.

The discussion did not produce any formal proposals or votes; panelists urged governments and civil society to continue pressing for nominations and open dialogue.