Many advocate for a woman UN Secretary-General

It is time to elect a woman as the next United Nations (UN) Secretary-General. This was one of the sentiments expressed as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the United Nations Country Team co-hosted the 2026 United Nations Day Commemoration, in Pretoria. Held under the theme, “Restoring Trust and Delivering Shared Prosperity Together in a Changing World”, the event brought together government representatives, UN officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, academics, civil society and youth representatives to reflect on progress made and the work that still lies ahead. It’s been 81 years since the establishment of the UN and the principles enshrined in its Charter, including multilateral cooperation, peace, development and human rights, remain central to efforts to address global challenges. The dialogue comes amid ongoing conflicts, climate change and economic uncertainty. UN Resident Coordinator in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, says governments and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that both host communities and migrants benefit from inclusive solutions. VIDEO | UNSG race enters crucial phase https://t.co/X8dp1gqheo — SABC News (@SABCNews) August 20, 2026 “Working with stakeholders and the government, we all need to come together to ensure that such tensions do not become the means through which the rule of law or human rights are undermined, but that we find mutually reinforcing solutions where host communities benefit, and migrants, refugees and asylum seekers also benefit from the protections that they so desire. And I think by finding common solutions, by working together, by putting dignity at the heart of our interventions, we will ensure that these are not competing objectives,” says Muffah. The discussions also come as the United Nations prepares for a leadership change, with Secretary-General António Guterres expected to conclude his tenure, in December 2026. Former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka says women and young people must play a greater role in shaping global decision-making , particularly as the international community looks beyond the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. “As we look at the post-2030 dispensation after the SDGs, it’s also a time to think about the next dispensation that will use the knowledge that we have. The fact that not everybody will respect international law suggests that we need to tighten up. It really is enough now to have decision-making bodies that exclude women and young people because the future belongs to these groups,” says Mlambo-Ngcuka. Singer and humanitarian Yvonne Chaka Chaka echoed her sentiments, saying the appointment of a woman as the next UN Secretary-General would be a welcome step. “The SG is leaving; his term is coming to an end. I hope, you know, somebody would think twice and maybe we have a female SG, as Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka alluded, and I hope that will be done. You know, we need shared values. Everything should be done accordingly,” she says. The message from the dialogue is a call for renewed trust, stronger international cooperation and leadership that reflects the diversity of the people it serves. CREDIT: Bonolo Maribe RELATED VIDEO | Race to choose next UN Secretary General faces significant test