First Broadcasted Candidates’ Debate for the Next UN Secretary-General to Take Place in Geneva
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The first internationally broadcast Candidates’ Debate for the selection of the next United Nations Secretary-General will take place on 9 June at the Ivan Pictet Auditorium, Maison de la Paix, in Geneva.
Moderated by renowned BBC journalist Ms. Zeinab Badawi, the debate will bring together official candidates Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa, and Ms. Rebeca Grynspan, with a video intervention from Mr. Macky Sall.
At a critical moment for the future of multilateralism—marked by rising geopolitical tensions, growing distrust in international institutions, and increasing pressure on the global governance system—the debate will provide a rare public platform for candidates to present and discuss their visions for the future leadership of the United Nations.
The discussion will focus on the role of the next Secretary-General in rebuilding trust in multilateralism, bridging global divides, and delivering results across the UN’s three pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. As the United Nations approaches its ninth decade, the event aims to contribute to a broader international conversation on the type of leadership required to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Convened by GWL Voices, in collaboration with the United Nations Foundation, the debate has been designed as a neutral, inclusive, and publicly accessible forum. GWL Voices is acting as an invisible convener to safeguard the independence and neutrality of the process. The initiative neither endorses nor evaluates any candidate but seeks to strengthen transparency, encourage public scrutiny of leadership selection, and reinforce confidence in global governance institutions.
GWL Voices is a network of nearly 80 global women leaders from all regions and backgrounds, founded by former UN Secretary-General candidates Susana Malcorra, Helen Clark, and Irina Bokova. Drawing on their direct experience with international leadership transitions, the organization works to advance effective and inclusive leadership in global governance.
Information for Media
Members of the press are invited to attend. Doors will close at 14:45, and media representatives are requested to arrive by 14:00.
A dedicated press room will be available for stakeouts, media statements, and interviews with candidates.
Media Registration
- To confirm in-person attendance, please contact:
Nat Pastor Aguirrezabal: nat@gwlvoices.org, +34 606 876 153
- For media requests involving candidates, please contact:
Christina Butler (United Nations Foundation):
press@unfoundation.org, +1 202-369-9831
Broadcast and Technical Coverage
A live feed of the debate will be distributed free of charge by Eurovision News Events via Worldfeed on satellite and IP for news use.
The full debate, along with clips and a highlights package, will also be available for download through the NewsDirect platform in multiple formats suitable for broadcast and social media use. Registration for the platform is free.
For information on accessing Worldfeed and NewsDirect, or for technical inquiries, please contact: