The international campaign 1 for 8 Billion has launched an initiative to promote greater transparency and public debate around the selection of the next leadership of the United Nations. In partnership with 15 civil society organizations from different regions of the world, the campaign published policy profiles of candidates for UN Secretary-General, analyzing their positions on some of today’s most pressing global challenges.
The profiles address issues such as conflict prevention, peace operations, humanitarian action, inequality, human rights, gender equality, civil society participation, UN reform, and the climate crisis. The initiative aims to provide civil society representatives, member states, and the general public with a clearer understanding of the priorities and proposals put forward by the candidates.
The analyses were developed based on public statements, vision documents, and the participation of candidates in the interactive dialogues held at the UN General Assembly. The candidates already profiled include Michelle Bachelet, Rafael Grossi, Rebeca Grynspan, and Macky Sall.
Plataforma CIPÓ contributed to the climate profiles in partnership with SHE Changes Climate. The analysis examines how the candidates intend to address the climate emergency, strengthen international climate finance, promote a just transition, and expand support for countries most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis.
More recently, former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister and former President of the UN General Assembly María Fernanda Espinosa officially entered the race, following her nomination by Antigua and Barbuda. The profiles should be updated in accordance with Espinosa’s participation and that of the other candidates in new dialogues and debates.
The initiative is part of the broader efforts of the 1 for 8 Billion campaign, which advocates for a more transparent, inclusive, and participatory process to select the next UN leader. The movement seeks to encourage greater public scrutiny of the candidates and foster concrete commitments to addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
In addition to Plataforma CIPÓ and SHE Changes Climate, participating organizations include CIVICUS, CEJIL, ODI Global, the International Peace Institute, Saferworld, and Article 109, among others.
