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As eyes turn to #UNGA 
we need timely discussion on how the selection process to appoint the next Secretary-General will work otherwise we could end up (through distraction or otherwise) with a lame process which fails to consolidate previous gains and hits the @UN's credibility.
we need timely discussion on how the selection process to appoint the next Secretary-General will work otherwise we could end up (through distraction or otherwise) with a lame process which fails to consolidate previous gains and hits the @UN's credibility.
Five years ago this month #UNGA adopted a resolution (69/321) that brought an end to 70 yrs of shadowy, P5-dominated appointments. The new process saw candidates’ names/vision statements/CVs published, & states/civil society quizzing them in the UNGA hall and livestreamed.
adopted a resolution (69/321) that brought an end to 70 yrs of shadowy, P5-dominated appointments. The new process saw candidates’ names/vision statements/CVs published, & states/civil society quizzing them in the UNGA hall and livestreamed.
Such improvements in turn bolstered the authority of the General Assembly and allowed for public scrutiny, making it much harder for the Security Council to dominate.
In turn, the more transparent, fairer process boosted the appointee's reputation and the UN's legitimacy.
In turn, the more transparent, fairer process boosted the appointee's reputation and the UN's legitimacy.
Without early attention as to how to re-implement the gains of five years ago to a situation where the incumbent is standing for a second term, we could be left with a last minute reappointment lacking the transparent, legitimacy-boosting process of last time
And right now we need a strong, accountable UN more than ever in its 75 yr history to tackle tasks of climate change, pandemics & other catastrophic global risks.
The UN can ill-afford the reputational hit that wld come w/ @antonioguterres being reappointed without scrutiny
The UN can ill-afford the reputational hit that wld come w/ @antonioguterres being reappointed without scrutiny
Should say that Mr Guterres, has not publicly stated his availability to serve a second term, but recent speeches laying out ambitious plans for a new social contract hint strongly at a vision for another five years in office https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2020-07-18/remarks-nelson-mandela-lecture-tackling-the-inequality-pandemic-new-social-contract-for-new-era
New PGA @volkan_bozkir will be key if positive reforms are consolidated and built on. Through 69/321 (and last year’s 73/341) he has authority to work with the UNSC to outline an open, competitive process and trigger the race.
But distraction and the desire to avoid actions being perceived as a comment on the incumbent's performance may make states and the PGA wary about running an open process in favour of a quiet reappointment. But this may well be in no one's best interest for at least 3 reasons:
1: the realisation of Mr Guterres’ vision for a potential second term would be denied the groundswell of support it could gain during a competitive selection process.
2: it would mean a return to the murky days w/ the latitude for the powerful to discreetly influence a sitting Secretary-General in return for their support. The veto wielding P5 still hold sway for the appointment as outlined in Art 97 Charter
3: there is a widespread sentiment that a female Secretary-General is long overdue...Mr Guterres' gender credentials will be called into question if the absence of a competitive process denies women not only the job, but even the ability to apply, for yet another 5 years.
But there cld be a strong coalition to ensure a positive, legitimacy-enhancing process. Groups of states like ACT and NAM were instrumental before & cld be again. Civil society inc @1for7billion is starting to mobilise and @TogetherFirst are urging improvements to UN appointments
At least some support could be forthcoming from the UNSC - #Estonia (an ACT state) is now an elected member and the #UK will want to consolidate gains it led on last time around.
Early signs that the PGA will be assertive cld also be promising.
Early signs that the PGA will be assertive cld also be promising.
This could make for a strong alliance to ensure the COVID upheaval and the states who want to reassert dominance over this decision will not block a healthy process.
Any die-hards who made it through this thread may be interested in this blog!: https://www.e-ir.info/2020/09/19/opinion-selecting-the-next-un-secretary-general/
Any die-hards who made it through this thread may be interested in this blog!: https://www.e-ir.info/2020/09/19/opinion-selecting-the-next-un-secretary-general/
