01/06/2026
Who should lead the United Nations for the next decade?
This week I attended 's event "The Leader the World Needs: Appointing the Next UN Secretary-General" where civil society were able to ask the candidates questions. I asked Rafael Grossi:
"Given the rapidly changing global environment, including shifting funding streams and the growing influence of major donors, how will you safeguard the integrity and independence of the UN so it continues to serve all nations rather than the interests of the most powerful actors, or contributors, and this also relates to conflicting agendas that these actors may have, vs the United Nations"
The response can be seen in this carousel. As the UN approaches its 80th anniversary, the next Secretary-General will inherit an organisation facing significant challenges, and changes within the world.
My biggest takeaway? Reform matters, but so does protecting the core principles the UN was created to uphold. Hoping the next SG will create transparency, accountability, and overall compliance in the core principles, is the only way to ensure the UN can survive.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the next UN Secretary-General?