Well, that’s a wrap on UNGA 79. (At least, almost — technically the final day is tomorrow). A lot happened, from a declaration on antimicrobial resistance to the adoption of the Pact of the Future thanks to an intervention by the Republic of Congo. Catch up on all our coverage from UNGA 79.
Meanwhile, a collection of civil society organizations launched the 1 for 8 Billion campaign, calling for a fair and inclusive process to select the next U.N. secretary-general in 2026. They want the selection to be more transparent and meritocratic (there has been significant improvement in recent years, thanks in great part to campaigns like this). But they also specifically want something else. “After 80 years of men-only leadership it’s time for a woman to serve as UN Secretary-General,” they say, calling on member states to only nominate female candidates in order to give the U.N. Security Council — which really holds the keys to the office — no other option.
It’s a debate that’s been going on for some time and the momentum feels stronger than ever. Despite the assembly and wider institution’s supposed commitment to gender equality, even current U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called out issues last week.