The next UN Secretary-General will inherit a world marked by overlapping crises—geopolitical fragmentation, armed conflict, climate emergencies, humanitarian displacement, debt distress, technological disruption and declining trust in multilateral institutions. At this critical juncture, the selection of UN leadership is not only about choosing an individual; it is also about asking whether the United Nations can become more representative, accountable and responsive to the needs of all countries, particularly those of the Global South.
The Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), in collaboration with Southern Voice and the 1 for 8 Billion campaign, organised a virtual discussion titled “Rethinking UN Leadership in a Fragmented World: A Bangladesh-Centred Perspective” on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The discussion focused on the qualities, priorities and principles that should shape future UN leadership, particularly in the lead-up to the selection of the next Secretary-General.
Mr Humaiun Kobir, Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs (Status of State Minister), Prime Minister’s Office, stressed that the next UN Secretary-General must have integrity, independence, professional excellence, diplomatic skill and moral authority to engage with all Member States while remaining committed to the principles of the UN Charter. He also underscored the need for an open, merit-based, accountable and participatory selection process to strengthen both the legitimacy of the Secretary-General and the credibility of the United Nations.
He further noted that the present process, where the Security Council recommends a single candidate to the General Assembly, does not allow sufficient choice or scrutiny. He suggested that the Security Council could prepare a shortlist of candidates for the General Assembly to vote on, so that the final selection reflects merit, credibility and experience. Referring to Bangladesh’s experience with the Rohingya crisis, he also emphasised that future UN leadership must be capable of protecting the interests of all countries, large and small, developed and developing alike.
Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, chaired the session. She noted that the forthcoming selection of the next UN Secretary-General is not merely about choosing an individual, but about reflecting on how the institution itself can become more representative, accountable and effective. She stressed that transparent and merit-based selection, stronger accountability, institutional independence and responsiveness to vulnerable communities are essential if leadership is to deliver meaningful change.
In her keynote presentation, Ms Afrin Mahbub, Research Associate, CPD, noted that the current UNSG selection process remains highly controlled by the five permanent members of the Security Council, with limited transparency beyond the publication of candidate names and vision statements. She highlighted that no woman has ever held the post of UN Secretary-General, while women remain underrepresented across the UN system.
Presenting Bangladesh as an analytical lens, she observed that women’s representation remains limited despite long-standing female leadership at the top, and that symbolic representation does not automatically translate into substantive influence. Drawing on civil society perspectives from Bangladesh, she emphasised that gender representation is necessary but not sufficient; it must be supported by institutional reform, accountability, inclusive governance and real decision-making power.
Mr Ben Donaldson, Adviser to the 1 for 8 Billion campaign, said that the nomination phase was nearing completion, but uncertainty remained due to the influence of the permanent members of the Security Council. He also warned that backroom deals over senior UN appointments weaken transparency across the wider UN leadership system.
The distinguished panellists included Dr Amena Mohsin, Formerly with the Department of International Relations, University of Dhaka; Ms Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation; Ms Taslima Akter Lima, President, Bangladesh Garments Sramik Sanghati; Ms Fauzia Moslem, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad; and Ms Khushi Kabir, Member, CPD Board of Trustees and Coordinator, Nijera Kori.
During the open floor discussion, participants raised questions on how the next UN Secretary-General could represent the interests of both major powers and vulnerable developing countries facing climate change, debt, inequality and forced displacement. Speakers reiterated the need to democratise the UN by strengthening the role of the General Assembly and bringing together voices from Asia, Africa, Latin America and the wider Global South.
Concluding the session, Dr Fahmida Khatun noted that future UN leadership requires not only diplomatic skill, but also moral authority, independence and the capacity to navigate evolving geopolitical realities.
The session concluded with a call for a more transparent, inclusive and accountable UN leadership selection process that can respond effectively to the complex challenges of the twenty-first century.
