Former Chilean president and UN chief candidate Michelle Bachelet hopes the world is finally ready for its first female secretary-general.
UNITED NATIONS: Former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet said she hopes the world is finally ready for a woman to lead the United Nations.
All nine UN chiefs since the organisation’s founding have been men.
Bachelet, a candidate for secretary-general, made the remarks after a three-hour hearing before member states.
“If I am polite, I would say the world was not prepared for it,” she said of the 2016 race where a man was chosen despite female candidates.
“Is it prepared now? I hope so,” the 74-year-old told reporters. She argued that appointing a woman would send a very good signal and generate hope for many people.
The candidate pleaded with member states to rebuild trust in the UN amid global wars and a political and financial crisis. She advocated for a leader with a moral voice and diplomatic stature to be heard by powerful states.
Bachelet acknowledged the Security Council’s frequent paralysis on pressing issues. She stated she had no magic formula to change the dynamics among the veto-wielding permanent members.
Three other candidates will be interviewed by member states hoping to secure what was described as one of the world’s toughest jobs. When asked what makes her the best candidate, Bachelet emphasized her extensive experience.
She dismissed questions about her age by saying, “I have accumulative youth.”
