In the near future, governments will begin sending letters with proposals for candidates for the head of the 80-year-old organization, a position traditionally distributed among various geographical regions. It is worth noting that this position has always been held by men up to this point.
As noted by Denmark's Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen, co-chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Procedures, "The Security Council is approaching one of its most responsible tasks - the selection of the next Secretary-General."
In the coming months, she stated, the voting process, interaction with candidates, and ways to inform UN member states about the progress and results of this work will be discussed.
The representative of Chile supported the idea of an "open, comprehensive, and gender-inclusive process," emphasizing that it is time for a woman to hold this position. "After 80 years, it is time for a woman to lead this organization - a woman whose leadership and vision can enhance trust in the multilateral system to effectively respond to modern challenges," he added, reminding that it is now Latin America's and the Caribbean's turn to hold the top post.
More than 40 states participated in the debates, which considered the updated consolidated guide on the working methods of the Security Council, known as Note 507, adopted last December.
The discussion of the Council's working methods has become particularly relevant over the past year, given the scale of global crises, noted Lorraine Sievers, co-author of the book "The Procedure of the UN Security Council."
“Of course, the main focus is on statements and voting on draft resolutions,” she points out. “But even with sharply diverging opinions among Council members and non-member participants, it is important how organized and professionally conducted the Council meetings are, as this affects trust in the Security Council and the UN as a whole.”
Currently, the Secretary-General of the UN is António Guterres.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: UN / L. Felipe.
