News — 1 for 8 Billion

un reform

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. 

Reforming the UN

There is no silver bullet for UN reform, but a better way to select the Secretary-General comes close. Originally published in UNA-UK's flagship publication, New World, this article explores how improving UN leadership could be a first step to a more effective United Nations. 

Mary Robinson dubs selection process for UN chief as “morally inexcusable”

Former High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, painted the current UN Secretary-General selection process - the prerogative of just five countries – as “weak, opaque and, perhaps, even irrational”.