Annalena Baerbock, President of the General Assembly, invites everyone to follow the selection of the next Secretary-General. 

For the first time in a decade, the UN will appoint a new Secretary-General. As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, this decision comes at a moment of profound global change.

Geopolitical tensions have intensified, climate instability has escalated, digital technologies have reshaped societies, and expectations of multilateral institutions have grown more complex.

Against this backdrop, the selection of the next Secretary-General is more than a procedural milestone. It is a test of the values the UN aspires to uphold.

The world is looking to the next Secretary-General for principled, forward-looking leadership capable of delivering on the UN’s three core pillars: peace and security, human rights, and development, while also making the institution fit for the future. This moment reflects the spirit of being “Better Together,” the understanding that collective challenges demand collective solutions, including the voices and perspectives of all Member States throughout this process.

Beginning on 21 April, interactive dialogues with candidates will offer Member States and civil society a unique window into the visions and priorities of those seeking to lead the Organization. Broadcast live via UN Web TV, these dialogues will enhance transparency and inclusivity, demonstrating that leadership selection need not occur behind closed doors.

By engaging civil society, the UN is signaling that the future of multilateralism depends on openness, trust, and participation. As President of the General Assembly, I am therefore committed to making this process as transparent and inclusive as possible to set a strong foundation of unity for the next Secretary-General’s term.

At the same time, my office is embracing a renewed digital approach to ensure the process resonates with a new generation of global citizens. By presenting the selection process in accessible and educational ways across social media, my office aims not just to inform, but to inspire future diplomats, advocates, and analysts.

Yet this moment also demands reflection. Half the world’s population is women and girls, yet global leadership does not reflect this reality. Equality is not only a Sustainable Development Goal. It’s a measure of credibility for this institution.

As the UN steps into its next decade, the choice before us is clear. Leadership should mirror the world it serves. Because being “better together” means inclusive leadership that reflects all of humanity.

Follow the selection of the next Secretary-General: