The current President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, is advocating strongly for a woman to succeed António Guterres as Secretary-General, reigniting a long-standing debate surrounding gender parity and the UN’s leadership structure. In an interview with Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, the former German Foreign Minister challenged the rationale behind the consistently male-dominated history of the position, stating that men and women “should have equal rights and therefore also have the same opportunities to become Secretary-General”. She expressed bewilderment at the persistent lack of female leadership within the organization, particularly given the global female population.
Baerbock’s call for a female successor isn’t merely a symbolic gesture, but a pointed critique of the opaque selection process historically controlled by the five permanent members of the Security Council. She emphasized the General Assembly’s crucial role in ensuring the next Secretary-General’s appointment isn’t determined “behind closed doors” effectively bypassing the established, albeit often overlooked, hearing process within the Assembly itself. Baerbock stressed the importance of a transparent and inclusive selection procedure to cultivate legitimacy and ensure broad representation.
Responding to speculation, Baerbock categorically denied any personal ambition for the position. She clarified her role is strictly to oversee a fair and transparent selection process, emphasizing her commitment to adhering to the unwritten conventions that preclude another candidate from Western Europe, particularly given her German nationality. This public disavowal underscores her focus shifting towards reforming the underlying power dynamics of the appointment rather than pursuing the role herself. The question now remains whether her advocacy will translate into a meaningful shift in the UN’s long-standing traditions and ultimately pave the way for a female leader.
