News — 1 for 8 Billion

security council

1 for 7 Billion launches interactive Map of Support

New research by the 1 for 7 Billion campaign shows that just three countries could block proposals supported by the vast majority of UN member states to improve the secretive and undemocratic process to select the UN Secretary-General.

1 for 7 Billion welcomes Security Council discussion on Secretary-General selection and calls for further action

Participants in the debate recognised the need for transparency in the selection process, that the General Assembly had an interest and role to play in meeting candidates, and that this was the opening of further discussions. 

President-elect of the General Assembly meets 1 for 7 Billion delegation

On 2 July, the newly elected President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft from Denmark, and his team met three members of the campaign’s Steering Committee

States call for change - 20-year stalemate could be broken

Monday’s UN General Assembly debate saw a near universal demand for transforming the way in which the UN appoints its next Secretary-General.

Elders urge thorough and open process irrespective of gender or region

In an opinion piece in the New York Times Kofi Annan and Gro Harlem Brundtland urge an immediate overhaul of the process to select the Secretary-General, echoing specific measures promoted in the 1 for 7 Billion campaign.

Top UN appointments should be based on merit, not power politics

The controversy surrounding the choice of a successor to Valerie Amos reinforces the principles of the 1 for 7 Billion campaign, which hold that merit, not nationality, should be the deciding factor when appointing senior UN officials.