In its 80-year history, the United Nations has never had a woman serve as secretary general – a fact that some world leaders now view as a glaring symbol of gender inequality at the highest level of global diplomacy.
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With Secretary General Antonio Guterres due to complete his second five-year term at the end of 2026, some at this week’s annual UN General Assembly were vocal in their call for a woman to assume the role.
“It is high time for a woman to be chosen as UN Secretary General,” Estonia’s President Alar Karis said.
“We need to put forward ambitious selection criteria, a clear timeline and assure greater role of the General Assembly in this process. Given the current credibility crisis of the UN, we cannot afford to fall short in the selection process.”
All nine of those to hold the top job have been men.
Slovenia’s President Natasa Pirc Musar lamented that only five women have held the year-long presidency of the now 193-member General Assembly, including this year.