Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Global Leaders Rally for First Female UN Secretary-General After 80 Years of Male Leadership

United Nations delegates observe UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressing the 80th General Assembly, highlighting a historic moment that underscores a significant leadership gap.

Throughout its eight-decade existence, the United Nations has never been led by a woman as secretary-general—a stark reality that numerous world leaders now consider a profound representation of gender disparity in top-tier global diplomatic positions.

As Secretary-General Antonio Guterres prepares to conclude his second five-year tenure at the close of 2026, various leaders at this week's UN General Assembly openly advocated for female leadership in this pivotal role.

Estonia's President Alar Karis stated firmly: "It is high time for a woman to be chosen as UN Secretary-General."

He continued, "We need to put forward ambitious selection criteria, a clear timeline and assure greater role of the General Assembly in this process. Given the current credibility crisis of the UN, we cannot afford to fall short in the selection process."

The leadership record remains entirely male-dominated, with all nine previous secretaries-general being men.

Slovenia's President Natasa Pirc Musar expressed disappointment that only five women have presided over the now 193-member General Assembly, including this year's president.

"By the end of this session, she should be joined by a Madam Secretary-General-elect," Pirc Musar declared, adding enthusiastically, "Let's make history."

The selection process involves the 15-member Security Council, including permanent veto powers Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States, who review candidates confidentially before recommending one for election by the General Assembly.

To enhance transparency, the General Assembly implemented measures in 2015 requesting its president and the Security Council president to invite UN members to nominate candidates, while also establishing regular distribution of candidates' credentials to member states.

Mongolia's President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh emphasized: "Ensuring gender equality in senior leadership positions within the United Nations will undoubtedly have a positive impact on fostering more transparent, balanced and inclusive decision-making processes."

The selection of the next UN Secretary-General will occur in 2026, with the appointed individual beginning their term on January 1, 2027.

While the position traditionally rotates among regions—with Latin America next in sequence after Eastern Europe was bypassed when Portuguese Guterres was elected in 2016—diplomatic sources anticipate candidates may emerge from various regions.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader advocated for regional representation: "Our region has the diversity, capacity and experience to be able to raise a strong voice for peace, climate justice, human rights, and sustainable development."

He firmly stated, "I am fully convinced that the time has come for a woman to take up the post," representing the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation's position.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric emphasized that regional balance must be maintained in the appointment process and specifically endorsed former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet for the role.

"I firmly believe, and I know that this conviction is shared by my nation, that Michelle Bachelet is someone able to build bridges between the North and the South, between the East and the West," Boric declared as Bachelet was present in the audience.

Bachelet's credentials include being Chile's pioneering female head of state with two presidential terms, serving as Chile's health and defense minister, and holding positions as executive director of UN Women and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

"It's time for Latin America and the Caribbean to have their moment," Boric asserted, highlighting the region's peaceful status and rich diplomatic heritage.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi of Argentina has also expressed his intention to pursue the position.