While much of the world is watching the U.S. presidential race play out, another contest is taking shape that, while not as contentious, could have significant international implications. It is the election of the next U.N. secretary-general.
Eight governments have put forward candidates since the nomination process officially opened in December. For the first time, half of them are women.
In the past, secretaries general were chosen behind closed doors, but this year, in another first, the process will be open to public scrutiny.
This week, the candidates will be publicly questioned by member states about their qualifications for the top post and their vision for the organization, during two-hour “informal dialogues” in the U.N. General Assembly.
Starting Tuesday, each candidate will have 10 minutes to explain his or her vision for the 70-year-old institution and then take questions from member states. There also will be a chance for civil society groups to ask questions via short videos they have already submitted to the president of the General Assembly.
Traditionally, the role of world’s top diplomat is rotated regionally. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is from Asia; his predecessor, Kofi Annan, was from Africa.
Eastern Europe is hoping it will be its turn this year and has so far nominated six candidates – from Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro and Slovenia.
“There is nothing in writing, there is nothing set in stone that says the candidate and next secretary-general has to come from any specific region,” cautioned Dan Thomas, spokesman for the president of the General Assembly.
With the world facing serious challenges — including the largest displacement of civilians since World War II, the growing threat of global terrorism and effects of climate change – many diplomats say the organization needs a strong leader at the helm.
Source-Voice of America
