Candidates for the next UN Secretary-General outlined their visions for UN reform and the restoration of multilateralism during the Jeju Forum on June 25.
Five candidates participated in the "UN Secretary-General Candidates Discussion" at the Haevichi Hotel in Jeju: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Rebecca Greenspan, former Vice President of Costa Rica (Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development); Macky Sall, former President of Senegal; María Espinosa, former Foreign Minister of Ecuador; and Carolyn Rodriguez-Burket, Ambassador of Guyana to the UN. Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet attended via video link.
Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, opened the session by stating, "The person who takes office on January 1 will inherit a UN facing unprecedented challenges. This is a rare opportunity to restore trust in multilateralism and demonstrate that we can change the lives of ordinary people around the world."
Espinosa emphasized the importance of being perceived as a "fair mediator" to restore trust in the UN. She stated, "The UN must act much earlier in addressing conflicts. The Secretary-General's responsibility is to act promptly, persistently, and to be present on the ground."
Grossi highlighted the unique role of the UN, saying, "While there are various forums like the G7, G20, and BRICS, the UN is the only truly global platform."
Greenspan called for a change in the UN's organizational culture, noting, "There is a tendency to think that everything must happen solely within the UN. However, the capacities of governments, regional organizations, the private sector, and civil society have expanded more than ever before," emphasizing the need for increased collaboration with the private sector.
Sall remarked on UN reform, stating, "The UN is the institution that brings the world together to decide the future of the globe. Member states must participate in the reform, and the Security Council needs to be more open."
Rodriguez-Burket expressed that while UN reform is a decision for member states, "reform and adjustment should not be a one-time event but should be ongoing."
Bachelet, in her video address, asserted, "Multilateralism must be effective in changing people's lives. We need a multilateralism that prevents crises before they explode, reflects the voices of all UN member states more prominently, and is based on the principles and values of the UN Charter."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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