By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, Sept. 22, 2025
Three former UN leadership candidates, Helen Clark, Susana Malcorra, and Irina Bokova, on Monday spoke about breaking the UN leadership barriers and appointing a woman as the next Secretary General.
They spoke at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Media Zone at the ongoing 80th session of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York.
They shared their experiences running for the UN Secretary-General’s position and discussed the barriers that still face women aspiring to lead the Organisation.
The women spoke against the backdrop of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights.
They celebrated hard-won progress made by women while acknowledging persistent challenges, especially in expanding women’s leadership.
At the UN, for instance, no woman has yet served as Secretary-General, in spite of repeated calls for change.
Their reflections came as the UN prepared to appoint its next Secretary-General, who would take office in Jan. 2027.
Meanwhile, Actress and Spotlight initiative Global Ambassador Cecilia Suarez delivered a powerful reminder at the UN, noting that gender equality cannot wait.
One of Mexico’s most acclaimed actresses, Suárez had long used her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate women’s rights.
She pointed to chronic underfunding as a key barrier, stressing that women’s issues were still treated as “second place.”
She also underscored the responsibility of media in shaping culture, noting her refusal to accept roles that reinforced harmful norms.
Her advocacy stems from urgency both personal and national.
In a country facing at least ten femicides a day, she called for change beginning at home, through listening, honest dialogue, and new models of respect for future generations.
She, however, urged men and institutions to join the effort.
