UNAs Dialogue on the Election of the Next UN Secretary-General: May 13, 2026

The selection of the next United Nations Secretary-General is a defining moment for the UN system. It offers an important opportunity to reflect on the leadership the UN needs, the priorities that should guide the next Secretary-General, and the role of civil society in shaping a more effective, inclusive, and trusted multilateral system.

WFUNA and UNA-UK are pleased to co-organize the UNAs Dialogue on the Election of the Next UN Secretary-General, an online consultation for United Nations Associations to share their perspectives, priorities, and questions ahead of UNA-UK’s in-person event in London on 28 May with candidates for the post of UN Secretary-General.

This dialogue will provide an opportunity to gather views, questions, and concerns from United Nations Associations around the world. Following the consultation, selected questions and priorities raised by UNAs will be compiled and may be put forward to candidates during the May event.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM CET / Geneva Time
Format: Online event via Zoom
Register Here

Purpose of the Dialogue
The consultation will provide space for United Nations Associations to share perspectives on:

• The qualities and leadership approach required from the next UN Secretary-General
• The role of the future Secretary-General in strengthening the UN system
• How the UN can better engage with civil society in the current context
• Priority questions to raise with candidates for the post

Event Format
The event will be structured in two parts.
Part I — Moderated Panel
A short panel discussion with distinguished speakers who will share insights on the United Nations, civil society, and the role of the Secretary-General.
Part II — Open Floor for UNAs
Representatives of United Nations Associations will be invited to make short interventions, respond to the themes raised, share priorities, and suggest questions for candidates.

Expected Outputs
Following the dialogue, WFUNA will prepare a concise outcome document capturing the main points raised by UNAs, including priorities, expectations, and reflections on the leadership needed from the next UN Secretary-General. A set of questions drawn from the discussion will also help inform UNA-UK’s May event with candidates for the post.

Speakers

Jan Eliasson
Former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
Jan Eliasson served as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations from 2012 to 2016. He previously served as President of the 60th session of the UN General Assembly, Sweden’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Sweden’s Ambassador to the United States, and Foreign Minister of Sweden. He was also the first UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and has played a leading role in diplomacy, mediation, conflict prevention, humanitarian action, and UN reform.

Elizabeth Cousens
President and Chief Executive Officer, United Nations Foundation
Elizabeth Cousens is President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation, where she leads the Foundation’s work to support the United Nations. A diplomat and policy leader, she has worked on peace processes, UN policy innovation, the Sustainable Development Goals, and global partnerships. She previously served at the U.S. Mission to the UN, including as U.S. Ambassador to the UN Economic and Social Council and Alternate Representative to the UN General Assembly.

Cristina Gallach
Interim Executive Director, GWL Voices
Cristina Gallach is Interim Executive Director of GWL Voices and previously served as United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. She has also held senior roles in the Spanish Government, the European Union, and NATO, with extensive experience in international communications, diplomacy, multilateral affairs, and the 2030 Agenda.

Participants

This dialogue is intended for representatives of national United Nations Associations and WFUNA, as well as invited speakers and guests.

Register Here
For questions: [email protected]