UNA-UK Chairman Sir Jeremy Greenstock has written to Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, calling for UK leadership in advancing the proposals of the 1 for 7 Billion campaign. The campaign is calling for the process to appoint the UN Secretary-General to be improved so that it is fair, transparent and inclusive.
The appeal was extended to all UN member states in a letter sent by 1 for 7 Billion to foreign ministers around the world. The letter urged governments to adopt a robust General Assembly resolution that will ensure the next Secretary-General, due to be selected in 2016, is appointed on the basis of merit.
Emphasising the widespread support for 1 for 7 Billion, of which UNA-UK is a founding member, Sir Jeremy wrote:
“Since our launch last November, the campaign has attracted: over 50 NGOs and thousands of individual supporters from all continents; coverage in the international press; and endorsements from some 20 member states, as well as from high-profile figures, including the Elders.”
While congratulating the UK for supporting some changes to the selection process in a House of Lords debate, Sir Jeremy called on the Government to exercise stronger leadership to ensure they are implemented:
“UNA-UK hopes that the UK will participate actively in the General Assembly’s discussions on this issue in March, and that the UK will be on the right side of the argument for a better process.”
Discussions will take place at the UN in March on the next appointment, due in 2016.
Click here to read the letter to foreign ministers of UN member states.
1 for 7 Billion is a global campaign calling for a more open and inclusive process for selecting the UN leader, with genuine involvement by all UN member states. Currently carried out in secret under the control of the five permanent members of the UN Security-Council, the present selection process cannot guarantee that the UN Secretary-General is the best person for the job.
Click here to read 1 for 7 Billion’s 10 proposals for reform.
