President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, has urged member states to submit qualified candidates early for the selection of the next UN secretary-general.
She encouraged countries to “strongly consider nominating women” to ensure inclusive participation in the selection dialogues.
Ms Baerbock spoke on Wednesday while outlining her priorities for the resumed 80th session of the General Assembly.
She said selecting the next UN secretary-general was a key priority as António Guterres prepares to leave office in December.
The UN chief is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council.
Ms Baerbock said the selection process was underway, with interactive dialogues scheduled for the week of April 20.
She explained that during the dialogues, candidates will present their vision statements to Member States.
“In a time of heavy headwinds, this process is our chance to send a clear message about who we are. Our choice will show whether this organisation truly serves all humanity, half of whom are women and girls,” Ms Baerbock said.
According to her, the decision will determine how we address conflicts, climate change, and inequality.
“We need someone up to the task, who can chart a future while defending the principles of our Charter,” she said.
Ms Baerbock warned that with multilateralism under pressure, Member States must fight to protect the United Nations. She noted crises in Venezuela and Iran, saying the world faced “an even more urgent make-or-break moment”.
“The world needs the United Nations,” she said, citing its work in Gaza, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Ukraine. “In no way would the world be better off without our United Nations. It is worth fighting for.”
The General Assembly comprises all 193 member states, each with an equal vote. It meets annually from September to December, and thereafter as required.
Ms Baerbock avoided listing all mandated meetings for the resumed session, unlike previous years.
“My main priority is to defend this institution, its Charter and its principles,” she told member states.
She warned that “not all of us are singing from the same songbook anymore”. Ms Baerbock called for a cross-regional alliance to defend international law and human rights.
“This means standing up every day and recommitting. It also means bridging divides, as long as compromise does not become appeasement,” she said.
On UN reform, she said financial shortfalls could not be solved without Member States meeting obligations.
She urged countries to pay their contributions in full and on time, warning that “otherwise this institution cannot function”.
