Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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Lead-Up to Selection
The Secretary General: Ban Ki-moon
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Ban Ki-moon
Selecting the Next UN Secretary General (May 2006)
This United Nations Association of the USA report includes recommendations on the role of the Secretary General and the selection process. UNA-USA argues that the SG should primarily be a “diplomatic post,” accountable for overall management of the UN, but able to rely on senior Secretariat staff. The report also urges the General Assembly to assume a larger selection role and the creation of a nominating committee within the Security Council. Regional rotation should be replaced with an “open, deliberative process that eliminates gender and regional barriers.”
This One World Trust paper reviews criticisms of the existing process of selecting the UN Secretary General (SG) and also puts forth proposals for long term reform such as setting up a committee to nominate several candidates to the General Assembly. The UN can lift the shroud of secrecy surrounding the process by, for example, making a list of final candidates and their biographies available to the public. The author points out that the debate for reform encompasses other international organizations such as the Bretton Woods Institutions.
This paper from Security Council Report provides an overview of the appointment of a UN Secretary General, detailing the selection process, terms, and previous appointments. The report addresses criticisms of transparency that commentators have leveled at the selection process, and gives a historical overview of the use on the veto power. The authors show mixed evidence on the issue of regional rotation.Is Ban’s UN Honeymoon Over? (February 12, 2007)
This MaximsNews article analyzes UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s recruitment of his senior management team, calling the UN chief’s policies “as enigmatic as ever.” The author suggests that with his early appointments of individuals from developing countries, Ban aimed to offset any potential backlash to his reform plans – which have so far proven widely unpopular. Furthermore, now that nationals from all five of the Security Council’s Permanent Members hold key posts, skeptics warn of the danger of the SG losing his capacity to act independently.UN Secretary General Selection Lacks Insight (November 7, 2006)
According to this Daily Yomiuri article, two groups – the General Assembly and the Asian bloc at the UN – could have taken different approaches to getting a bigger say in choosing Kofi Annan’s successor. The author remarks that the Asian nations should have put forward a single candidate, showing “regional solidarity” instead of pursuing individual ambitions for UN leadership. But in calling for the GA to “assert” itself more in the selecting the UN’s top diplomat, the author does not acknowledge previous attempts to break the Security Council’s virtual monopoly over the decision-making process.Next UN Chief Denies Allegations of Influence Peddling, Saying “I’m A Man of Integrity” (October 19, 2006)
While South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon prepares to take office as the next UN Secretary General in January 2007, rumors continue to circulate that he “bought” votes to secure the top UN job. Ban dismissed such reports as “groundless” and rejected claims that he plans to “clean house” and replace senior UN staff members with individuals from “important” Security Council member states. Though Ban insists that he will select senior management based on merit, some UN observers believe any appointed officials will require a stamp of approval from the US and other big powers. (Associated Press)Ban Ki-moon Appointed UN Secretary General by Acclamation (October 13, 2006)
The UN General Assembly has formally approved South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon as the next Secretary General. After a series of informal ballots on candidates hoping to succeed UN chief Kofi Annan in 2007, the Security Council officially nominated Ban as its preferred contender for the job. Despite the GA’s calls for a greater role in the selection process, the Security Council retained the final say in electing Ban. (UN News)Korean Minister Likely Candidate to Replace Kofi Annan, But Will the General Assembly Approve? (October 3, 2006)
In response to General Assembly calls for a more democratic process in choosing the next Secretary General, the Security Council conducted informal polls on candidates vying for the highest-ranking UN job. Many UN observers have labeled the polls a mere formality, since the veto-wielding Permanent Members – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US – ultimately have the final say. As this United Nations Association of the USA article points out, due to the power struggle over this selection process, the GA may refuse to formalize the Council’s decision in an act of defiance.Ban Is Front Runner to Succeed Annan (October 3, 2006)
Following the Security Council’s fourth informal poll on candidates for the post of the next Secretary General, South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon looks certain to succeed UN chief Kofi Annan in 2007. Ban received 14 positive votes, including the backing of all five Permanent Members (P-5), whose veto power can block a candidate’s election, and one vote of “no opinion.” The author of this Guardian piece suggests that the P-5 approve of the “soft-spoken” Ban because they “do not really want a tough, combative figure with too much stature to lead the UN.”And the Winner Is Ban Ki-Moon (October 2, 2006)
Before Ban Ki-Moon was appointed as UN Secretary General, the Security Council decided that a member country would need to present its candidate for UN Secretary General to the President of the Security Council. Critics argue this sort of nomination goes against the idea that the Secretary General should be independent and serve in his personal capacity. This piece by the Center for UN Reform Education urges NGOs to actively promote a more transparent and coherent selection process.Straw Poll Favors S. Korean as Next UN Chief (September 28, 2006)
South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon has again topped a Security Council opinion poll on candidates hoping to replace UN chief Kofi Annan in 2007. Although Ban received more than the required majority of nine positive votes, the poll did not necessarily reflect approval from the five veto-wielding Permanent Members (P-5). A fourth straw poll will take place on October 2, 2006, this time with color-coded ballots to distinguish between elected Council members and the P-5. (Associated Press)5 Candidates for Secretary General: Why I Should Run the UN (September 28, 2006)
In this New York Times editorial, five of the seven candidates in the bid for the post of UN Secretary General each identify and discuss an “avoidable [UN] mistake” made in the past five years. Additionally, each contender articulates what “major reform” he or she would carry out as the new UN chief. Candidate responses include stronger peacekeeping efforts and fostering an environment of trust among Member States, especially in light of the divisive management reform debate.UN Needs Woman Chief to Clean It Up (September 24, 2006)
For the third time in the 61-year history of the United Nations, a woman will preside over the General Assembly. Yet no woman has ever held the highest-ranking post at the UN – the Secretary General. The author of this opinion piece from The Oregonian suggests an experienced female Asian diplomat would represent the ideal replacement for incumbent UN chief Kofi Annan in January 2007. Such a nomination would fulfill the unwritten UN tradition of “geographical rotation” for the top UN job while also addressing gender equity.China: Thai Coup Complicates UN Race (September 21, 2006)
Following a military coup in Thailand, uncertainty hangs over Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai’s bid to replace UN chief Kofi Annan in 2007. As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) supports Sathirathai’s candidacy for the top UN job, he does not depend on the Thai government alone for backing. However, some diplomats question whether or not Sathirathai can remain a strong regional contender given the political turmoil in Thailand. (Associated Press)Afghan Ghani to Join Race for Top UN Post (September 18, 2006)
A seventh candidate, former Afghan Finance Minister Ashraf Ghani, has reportedly declared his intentions to run for the post of UN Secretary General. Other late entrants in the race to replace Kofi Annan in 2007 include Jordan’s Ambassador to the UN Zeid al-Hussein and Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the only female and only European candidate so far. Meanwhile, the Security Council has set a tentative date at the end of September for a third straw poll to gauge opinions on all declared candidates. (Reuters)Latvian President to Run for UN Secretary General (September 16, 2006)
Latvia’s President Vaira Vike-Freiberga has formally announced her candidacy to succeed UN chief Kofi Annan. China has long supported an unwritten tradition at the UN which states that the next Secretary General should come from Asia, and will therefore likely block Vike-Freiberga’s election. Another Security Council Permanent Member, Russia, reportedly will not endorse a nominee from the former Soviet Republic. Vike-Freiberga joins five male candidates from South Korea, India, Thailand, Jordan and Sri Lanka. (Agence France Presse)South Korea, Indian Top Straw Poll for UN Top Post (September 14, 2006)
The Security Council’s second opinion vote on candidates for the post of UN chief mirrors the results of a similar informal poll held in July 2006. South Korea’s Ban ki-Moon and India’s Shashi Tharoor again came in first and second, respectively. However, by faring better in this poll than in the first, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sathirathai Surakiart has cast doubt on the widespread notion that the results indicate whether or not candidates should withdraw from the race. (Reuters)Selecting a New UN Secretary General (September 12, 2006)
According to this International Relations and Security Network article, “the secretiveness of traditional diplomacy is a relic of the past.” Yet UN General Assembly proposals to involve all Member States, and not just the Security Council, in the ongoing search for the next UN chief, have gone unheeded. Many UN observers have dismissed the Council’s informal straw polls on candidates as merely a superficial gesture towards a more inclusive selection process.UN: Secretary or General (September 9, 2006)
In this MaximsNews piece, Sri Lanka’s nominee for the top UN job, Jayantha Dhanapala, highlights the difficulties of “spelling out” the criteria for the next UN chief. Dhanapala explores the complex requirements for someone expected to win the support of all five Security Council permanent members and still demonstrate enough independence and commitment to multilateralism. While an impressive resume can work to a candidate’s advantage, the true test of the eventual Secretary General’s effectiveness only comes when he or she takes office.Jordanian to Be Candidate for UN Chief (September 5, 2006)
Jordan has fielded a candidate in the race to succeed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, whose term ends on December 31, 2006. Jordanian Ambassador to the UN Prince Zeid al Hussein joins four other contenders from India, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand respectively. Hussein’s candidacy raises the question of what role a Muslim could play as UN leader in mediating ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. (Associated Press)UN Secretary General Unbound (September 2006)
According to this Inter Press Service piece, the UN General Assembly must fight off US-driven reforms which threaten to weaken the “multilateral character” of the organization. These reforms give more power to the Secretary General but many perceive them as a maneuver by Washington to gain more influence at the UN. The author proposes a more democratic process of choosing the UN chief to prevent the election of an individual widely perceived as “compliant with certain centers of power.”The Next UN Leader: A Time for Transparency (August 30, 2006)
This openDemocracy article proposes a number of reforms for the complicated and highly secretive selection process of the UN Secretary General. The author calls for more opportunities for candidates to showcase their qualifications beyond their home countries and UN circles. He also suggests that the UN Security Council and General Assembly have a more cooperative role in future selection processes of the UN chief.Shortlist Lengthens for World’s Worst Job (August 14, 2006)
The author of this Guardian article warns that an initial “US seal of approval” of a candidate does not guarantee success as a UN Secretary General (SG). Previous SGs such as Boutros Boutros-Ghali fell out of favor with the US after criticizing Washington’s policies. The author points out that “it is early days yet” in the ongoing race for the next SG, and that the eventual winner may not even have emerged yet as a candidate.Shashi Tharoor the Next UN Secretary General (August 11, 2006)
Shashi Tharoor discusses his campaign for the post of UN Secretary General (SG) in this interview with Little India. Observers have suggested that Tharoor’s candidacy for the top UN job might impede India’s quest for a permanent seat on the Security Council. Tharoor rejects this view, saying that while the race for the next SG “will be settled one way or the other,” the issue of Security Council expansion lacks a “framework,” and so should not prevent India targeting both goals.Race for Top Post Wide Open (July 26, 2006)
The UN Security Council conducted a straw poll to gauge opinions on candidates for the next Secretary General before the official election takes place in October. Observers conclude that no “single clear winner” emerged, since all four contenders received at least one “discourage” vote. The veto power of each Permanent Member as well as the secrecy veiling the informal poll renders futile any speculation about the final outcome of the selection process. (Inter Press Service)Race to Succeed Annan at the UN Tightens After a Close Straw Vote (July 25, 2006)
In the UN Security Council’s informal poll of candidates for the next UN Secretary General (SG), South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon came out first, closely followed by India’s Shashi Tharoor. The ballots contained three options for each contender- “encourage,” “discourage” and “no opinion.” The poll results indicate an apparent lack of enthusiasm at the Security Council for the SG hopefuls, leading some diplomats to anticipate candidates “waiting in the wings” to enter the race. (New York Sun)What Are Your Qualifications To Be UN Secretary General, Deputy Prime Minister? (July 24, 2006)
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) strongly opposes Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai’s candidature for the top UN job. The AHRC criticizes his poor performance in the area of human rights, including his failure to sign the UN Convention against Torture. This letter suggests that Sathirathai’s work as a high-ranking government official does not reflect qualities desired in the UN Secretary General.Security Council to Test Waters on New UN Chief (July 14, 2006)
The 15 members of the UN Security Council will undertake a “straw poll” to express their opinions on the candidates vying for the position of UN Secretary General (SG). Given the Council permanent members’ veto power as well as the rejection of the General Assembly’s proposals to increase openness in choosing the next SG, skeptics doubt this early ballot represents true reform of the selection process. Executive Director of Global Policy Forum James Paul emphasizes the importance of involving the entire UN membership in the process. (Inter Press Service)Pakistan Likely to Field Diplomat as Secretary General (June 27, 2006)
After much deliberation within the government circles, Pakistan will probably field Maleeha Lodhi, a former ambassador to the UN, to vie for the post of UN Secretary General. Pakistan reportedly nominated Lodhi, the first female candidate so far, to counter India’s candidature of Shashi Tharoor. (Adnkronos International)India to Field Candidate for Top UN Job (June 14, 2006)
The next Secretary General (SG) should come from Asia, according to an unofficial tradition at the UN. India has decided to join South Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand in the race for the top job, and will endorse Under SG Shashi Tharoor as a candidate. A former Indian ambassador to the UN questions whether this move might jeopardize India’s longstanding quest to get a permanent seat on the Security Council. (Inter Press Service)Letter from the President of the Security Council to the President of the General Assembly on the Selection of the Secretary General (June 2, 2006)
The president of the Security Council (SC) informs the General Assembly president that the SC will begin considering candidates for the position of UN Secretary General in early July. The letter comes amid calls for more openness in the selection process.UN’s Second in Command to Quit Along With Boss (May 24, 2006)
In an interview with Inter Press Service, Mark Malloch Brown, the sometimes-controversial but influential deputy UN Secretary General (SG), dismisses any beliefs that he will hold onto his post or even step up as “de facto” SG when Kofi Annan steps down on December 31, 2006. Brown attributes the success of his term in office to his “longstanding friendship” with Annan, also citing this reason for not wanting to stay on under the next SG.South Seeks Authority to Decide on Next UN Chief (May 19, 2006)
India has initiated a resolution proposal aimed at breaking the virtual monopoly held by the Security Council’s permanent members in choosing the Secretary General (SG). The largest single political coalition at the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has agreed to put together a working group to improve the draft proposal. UN Watch’s Hillel Neuer, who believes that the GA already has significant power, argues that people around the world will take more interest in how well the next SG will lead the UN rather than in the actual selection process. (Inter Press Service)Canada Proposes Future UN Secretary Generals Should Serve Single Term (May 18, 2006)
Canadian Ambassador, Allan Rock, announced that Canada wants the next UN Secretary General to serve only one term of five or seven years. Canada has been the only government to formally push for changes to the Secretary General selection process, although other governments have supported Canada’s proposals. Rock also added further requirements such as asking candidates to identify ahead of time whom they will name as deputy secretary general and a “job description” that defines the responsibilities of the Secretary General. (Canadian Press)India Proposes Panel of 3 Names for Choosing Next UN Sec Gen (May 18, 2006)
India has proposed that the Security Council submit three candidates instead of one to the General Assembly (GA) for selection. India wants to ensure the wider participation of all member states in choosing the next Secretary General and that the candidate will not be influenced by the major powers. The Indian proposal also urges the GA President to conduct member state consultations with the candidates to show contenders “they are not obliged only to the five permanent council members.” (Zee News)Surakiart, Korean to Meet Annan (May 12, 2006)
The Security Council and General Assembly have begun discussing procedures for the election of the next UN Secretary General. Discussions produced a three-stage scenario proposal, which involves the circulation of a list of candidates, informal discussions and a secret ballot for the final nomination. The General Assembly would then approve the candidate – either by a simple majority, a two-thirds vote or acclamation. (Deutsch Presse Agentur)A New Bargain for UN Reform (May 4, 2006)
Looking at some likely effects of the US-imposed budget cap on UN programs, financier-philanthropist George Soros suggests that the US should lead the way in increasing the General Assembly's (GA) role in electing the Secretary General (SG) to reduce resistance to the US-driven management reform proposals. The G77 has opposed the proposed reforms fearing that more power to the SG would essentially allow the US to better control the UN. Soros argues that the G77 members would be more willing to shift power away from the GA to the SG, if they could choose who will be the next SG. (Open Society Institute)Asians Remain Divided Over Top UN Job (May 4, 2006)
The author points out the link between the election of the next Secretary General and the “coveted prize” of a permanent seat on the Security Council. Japan and India, who both desire a permanent seat, could now aim for the seat held by the outgoing Secretary General. But although a majority of UN member states, including veto-wielding China, have confirmed their support for an Asian Secretary General, “this will not suffice if Asians cannot unite behind one candidate, or… agree on a common strategy. (Inter Press Service)United Nations After Annan (April 28, 2006)
Under-Secretary General Shashi Tharoor describes the role of the Secretary General (SG) as “truly an impossible job.” He states that the post comes filled with paradoxes – a SG must remain politically impartial, yet often needs the support of governments. And although an SG has vast agenda-shaping authority, ultimately the UN relies on governments to implement many ideas. The SG must maintain a relationship with the US, which constantly tightens its grip over UN finances, but to ensure the UN’s survival, a SG must not relinquish integrity and independence. (Namibian Times)Search for New UN Chief Under Scrutiny (April 19, 2006)
NGOs and governments urge the Security Council and its five permanent members to “stand aside and allow a more open and accountable process” in the selection of the next Secretary General. Concerns with the selection process “mirror wider problems in the selection of senior staff and leaders of UN agencies and programmes.” Commentators argue that the UN reform debate has so far stayed silent on this issue. (Inter Press Service)NGO Letter to UN Security Council on Selection Process of Next Secretary General (April 17, 2006)
NGOs, including Global Policy Forum, call on the Security Council to implement a set of provisions to bring “accountability and transparency” to the selection of the next Secretary General. The NGOs recommend that the UN creates a formal set of qualifications for candidates, a timetable with systematic reporting and procedures for assessment of candidates. The letter urges that the Secretary General must have a “comprehensive understanding and demonstrated commitment” to the UN’s principles, extensive experience within the UN system and an openness to working with NGOs. (UNSGselection.org)Candidate Promises to Reform the UN (April 5, 2006)
In an interview with the conservative Washington Times, Secretary General candidate Jayantha Dhanapala states that he would push for the completion of proposed management reforms. Like others in the race for the top post at the UN, Dhanapala is courting US backing by adopting positions Washington favors.UN to Begin Talks on Annan’s Successor (March 29, 2006)
The Security Council has begun informal discussions to choose the next UN Secretary General. Security Council diplomats states that the council must resolve the question of regional rotation and “Asia’s turn” in order for meaningful talks to proceed. Britain has suggested that each candidate submit a manifesto detailing why they want the post of Secretary General and what they would like to achieve in the role. (Associated Press)The Next Secretary General of the United Nations (March 28, 2006)
Hans Blix, former chief UN weapons inspector, believes the next Secretary General will be an Asian candidate. Blix states that the US will not want to “hurt the strong Asian pride” by blocking an Asian successor. Blix also questions Washington’s idea of the role Annan’s replacement should play - that of “more secretary than general.” (MaximsNews Network)In Selecting the Next UN Secretary General, the Developing Nations Have a Choice (March 22, 2006)
The author argues that the current process of the Security Council forwarding one Secretary General candidate to the General Assembly weakens the role of the GA and the Secretary General. The article recommends the G77 group of 132 developing states within the GA urge the SC to instead nominate two candidates. The GA could then vote on the basis of merit rather than regional rotation and reassert the important role of the GA. (Center for UN Reform Education)Give the UN’s Rein to a Woman (March 15, 2006)
Secretary General Kofi Annan has stated that the UN is ready for a female leader, but the author argues that Annan has not demonstrated this during his term. Only 16% of Under Secretary Generals at the UN are women and Annan replaced the first female Deputy Secretary General with a male. This article states that there are many qualified candidates from the Asian region that member states should consider, but the secrecy that shrouds possible successors keeps these qualified women from being properly considered. (Washington Post)US Tries to Foil Asia’s Claim for Top UN Job (March 9, 2006)
The US is pushing for an Eastern European Secretary General even though most other UN members recognize Asia’s turn to provide the candidate. With the end of the Cold War, the article argues, “Eastern Europe” as a geographical region exists now only at the UN and should be considered a part of Europe as a whole. The author believes Washington only supports former Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski’s candidacy due to his backing of the Iraq invasion. (Inter Press Service)Africa Endorses Asia’s Bid for Next UN Chief (March 2, 2006)
The 53 member African group at the UN has expressed its support for an Asian as the next UN Secretary General. When combined with the Asian group, the two have 107 votes in the General Assembly, more than half of the total. Chinese diplomats continue to state that they will only accept Asian candidates and have proposed submitting several Asian candidates to the General Assembly for selection. The US would undoubtedly oppose this method. (Inter Press Service)Tussle for Top Job at UN Begins (February 22, 2006)
The author refers to UN Secretary General elections as the “diplomatic struggle of the decade” and a chance for China to assert its growing importance on the world stage. The article argues that the Asian candidates are all “flawed” in some way. The candidate may lack UN experience, or they may lack credibility for other reasons, such as their governments' positions on political or human rights issues. The author believes such candidates are unlikely to be supported by UN member states. (Standard - China)Is United States Laying Guidelines for Who the Next UN Secretary General Should Be? (February 19, 2006)
US Ambassador John Bolton dismisses the notion of geographical rotation and “Asia’s turn” in spite of all declared candidates for UN Secretary General being from the Asian region. Although the Chinese and Russian Ambassadors support an Asian bid, and France also – though not exclusively – this article believes that the US will have no difficulty in electing a Secretary General that will “go along with” US reform plans for the UN. (Asian Tribune)Canada Proposes Changes to UN Secretary General Selection Process (February 15, 2006)
The Canadian mission to the UN has released a set of proposals recommending a more transparent process of choosing the next secretary general, including broader involvement of member countries. They propose a search committee to find suitable candidates, a list of qualifications and criteria and informal sessions to question candidates. Canada has been the first country to release such proposals in an effort to open discussion among other member states. (Canadian Press)Canadian Non-Paper on the Process for the Selection of the Next Secretary General (February 15, 2006)
Canada calls for a more “open and rigorous” selection process of the next UN Secretary General. The proposal argues that the UN needs a Secretary General that can play an effective role in UN reform and that has broad support from member states. Canada suggests a list of qualifications and proposes discussion between member states and Secretary General candidates. (Canadian Mission to the UN)As UN Fills Top Job, Many Names, Few Rules and Talk of Asia’s Turn (February 12, 2006)
Choosing the next UN Secretary General is an important task, but the procedure remains “ill-defined,” with no interview process, no distinct qualifications or forums for demonstrating prospective candidates’ ideas. US Ambassador John Bolton states he wants a “transition period,” in passing the leadership over, advocating an early vote in September 2006. Others doubt that the member states will settle upon a successor so quickly given the lack of structure and regional squabbling taking place. (New York Times)In Selecting New UN Secretary General, Leadership Most Important Factor (February 3, 2006)
This Daily Yomiuri article outlines the many hats that a UN Secretary General must wear in order to operate effectively. A Secretary General must appease powerful members, but not alienate important funding providers, and remain sensitive to the General Assembly as a whole. Not only within the United Nations must the Secretary General provide leadership, but to the general public as well, inspiring them to mobilize and providing a voice to the world's citizens.The Next “S-G” (February 3, 2006)
Quiet campaigning has started for the role of next UN Secretary General. Secretary Generals have typically come from non-aligned countries, as candidates from big-aligned states tend to cancel each other out in the Security Council. The author believes that the US seeks a strong leader, who can implement its reform ideas and challenge rogue states. The same however cannot be said of fellow P5 member China, which would not favor such an interventionist leader. The drama that unfolds between the two major powers will make for interesting viewing. (Washington Post)It’s Time for a Woman UN Secretary General (February 2, 2006)
Equality Now has launched “It’s Time for a Woman” - a campaign to elect a female UN Secretary General. The UN’s failure to appoint a female SG in the last 61 years raises questions about the UN’s commitment to gender equality and hinders progress towards the UN’s goals. The article reports that patriarchy has influenced UN culture, where women remain underrepresented in professional and under-Secretary General roles. (Gender Links)Wanted: New UN Secretary General (January 28, 2006)
The time is approaching to appoint a new UN Secretary General and this Trinidad and Tobago Express article states the US will have the most say. Although the US claims it wants a “strong manager” the author translates this to an individual who will tailor their actions to US policy. The perfect supporter for such a position is Bush-appointed Ambassador to the UN John Bolton, an ardent advocate for US foreign policy and UN critic.Candidate for Top UN Job Sets out Vision for Reform (January 23, 2006)
In this Center for UN Reform interview, Jayantha Dhanapala , Sri Lankan candidate for the next UN Secretary General, sets out his vision for reform of the UN and the role of the Secretary General. Dhanapala, an expert in international arms control, has served as Under-Secretary General in the department of disarmament affairs. He believes the UN Secretary General must be a “consensus builder” rather than merely a “chief administrator” and states that he has the commitment to multilateralism and the relevant experience.If You Want it, Forget it (January 18, 2006)
Former UN Under Secretary General, Brian Urquhart, describes the process of choosing a new Secretary General as more a “squalid competition” than a set process. Often the candidates themselves are the last to know of their prospects. The Asian region’s turn to produce Kofi Annan’s successor has been mentioned by many, but others such as US Ambassador John Bolton state they prefer “merit over geography.” This arguably however translates to US cover for choosing a candidate of its choice. Politics inevitably comes into play when the P5 of the Security Council make their recommendation. (Los Angeles Times)UN Under Growing Pressure to Appoint a Woman Leader (January 4, 2006)
When United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan finishes his term at the end of 2006, a woman could fill the position for the first time in history. Despite continuous resolutions promoting gender parity within the UN, women still represent a vast minority among the higher positions within the UN Secretariat. This article gives an overview of the most promising female candidates for the world’s top diplomatic job. (Times, London)
