Ms. Cristina Gallach Assumes Role as Interim Executive Director of GWL Voices

GWL Voices announces that Ms. Cristina Gallach will assume the role of Interim Executive Director during the temporary leave of Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa.

This transition ensures continuity in leadership and maintains clear boundaries to avoid any potential conflict of interest, as Ms. Espinosa contributes independently to the global debate surrounding the selection of the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

We are deeply grateful for Ms. Espinosa’s dedication and leadership, which—like that of many GWL Voices members—reflects the depth of experience among women leaders actively contributing at the highest levels of global governance.

In her capacity as Interim Executive Director, Ms. Gallach will guide the organization’s work and ensure the continued delivery of its strategic priorities during this period. This transition underscores our ongoing commitment to transparency, integrity, and leadership legitimacy, in line with the principles of the UN Charter.

GWL Voices is proud that its members are active contributors to global governance debates and to shaping leadership at the highest levels. At the same time, as an organization, we remain firmly committed to strengthening multilateralism under a clear principle: the next Secretary-General of the United Nations should be the most qualified and capable leader to address the challenges facing the Organization today, regardless of gender. We do not endorse or campaign for any individual candidate; rather, we advocate for a more transparent and inclusive selection process and for open, substantive engagement among all formal candidates.

For media inquiries, please contact: Nat Pastor Aguirrezabal nat@gwlvoices.org