Statement by members of the Women’s Major Group on the appointment of the new Secretary General of the United Nations:
The Women’s Major Group of the UN Agenda-2030 process (WMG), has received the announcement of the nomination of Mr Antonio Guterres as new Secretary General, with mixed
feelings. Over the past year, the WMG has advocated for the election of a feminist, woman Secretary General. We wanted to see the UN act on its stated commitment to gender equality and
transformation, but instead we are profoundly disappointed to see no change in the highest post at the UN. After 70 years of male leadership of the United Nations, it is past time for a feminist
woman to take the helm. Women are half of the world’s population and have the right to equal representation in decision-making and leadership at the highest levels. The UN is officially committed to gender parity. It must lead by example by putting women in leadership positions. Download the full statement here.