A Woman for UN Secretary General?
Phrases like "the role of the UN has never been so great in resolving the conflicts around the world" typically are easy to slip off our tongue. But some of you will join me in believing that it is true.
The UN now has to deal with the challenge of selecting its next Secretary General for the years to come. At a time when the UN is on the crossroads, its role, methods, mandate, credibility and effectiveness being a subject of a heated debate. At a time when the world desperately needs to face and address issues of paramount importance - how to strike a balance between the needs and aspirations of this and future generations, various cultural and religious values, development of civilization and environment. And on and on.
There are several worthy candidates that have been nominated. Among others - the President of Latvia, Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Her aspirations for the post where no secret for international community, but official nomination was only made public earlier this week.
By UN tradition the next Secretary General should be from Asia. But, if for whatever reason that should not be the case - I think Dr. Vike-Freiberga would be an excellent proposition (not that some of veto-power wielding nations wouldn't mind). She is a brilliant scholar, charismatic politician and an outstanding individual. Last, but not least she is a woman of extraordinary leadership qualities.
You would be right to assume that my support for Vaira Vike-Freiberga is self-explanatory for patriotic reasons. But I have to say that we wouldn't mind keeping her as our president too :).
Well, this is to say that an international campaign has been launched in support of Dr.Vike-Freiberga to be elected as the first woman ever to become the General Secretary of the UN. I invite you to visit the campaign website www.chooseawomanforun.eu. If you would like to support Dr. Vike-Freiberga please you are welcome to sign the petition. If you would like to learn more about Vaira Vike-Freiberga, please let me know.
Otherwise, enjoy the Indian summer of Boston and good luck with the first assignments!
Dan
From: communication@chooseawomanforun.eu
To: info@ewla.org
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 2:15 PM
Subject: CHOOSE A WOMAN FOR UN
Madame, Sir,
M. Kofi Annan’s mandate as Secretary General to the
United Nations is coming to an end in December 2006. Candidates are already beginning to emerge.
According to the regional rule, it is time for an Asian candidate to take over the responsibilities of this task. However, nothing is definite and the debates are only just beginning.
Women represent more than half of the world population. They are becoming increasingly involved in international affairs and many form the futures of their countries. Why shouldn’t one be nominated to the head of the UN?
Choosing a woman as Secretary General of the UN would be a symbol of this organization’s support for women’s rights and would send an important
message to the world.
The role of Secretary General to the UN is essential in guaranteeing peace and globalisation of a more humane nature. Naming a woman to this post as Secretary General would help to shape the 21st Century into one of modernity and respect.
A global initiative was launched by the association Femmes Débat & Société to promote this issue. A website is available in three languages
www.unefemmealonu.eu, www.chooseawomanforun.eu, www.unamujerenlaonu.eu on which you will find a petition that has already gathered more than 2200 signatures in just a few days.
Phrases like "the role of the UN has never been so great in resolving the conflicts around the world" typically are easy to slip off our tongue. But some of you will join me in believing that it is true.
The UN now has to deal with the challenge of selecting its next Secretary General for the years to come. At a time when the UN is on the crossroads, its role, methods, mandate, credibility and effectiveness being a subject of a heated debate. At a time when the world desperately needs to face and address issues of paramount importance - how to strike a balance between the needs and aspirations of this and future generations, various cultural and religious values, development of civilization and environment. And on and on.
There are several worthy candidates that have been nominated. Among others - the President of Latvia, Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga. Her aspirations for the post where no secret for international community, but official nomination was only made public earlier this week.
By UN tradition the next Secretary General should be from Asia. But, if for whatever reason that should not be the case - I think Dr. Vike-Freiberga would be an excellent proposition (not that some of veto-power wielding nations wouldn't mind). She is a brilliant scholar, charismatic politician and an outstanding individual. Last, but not least she is a woman of extraordinary leadership qualities.
You would be right to assume that my support for Vaira Vike-Freiberga is self-explanatory for patriotic reasons. But I have to say that we wouldn't mind keeping her as our president too :).
Well, this is to say that an international campaign has been launched in support of Dr.Vike-Freiberga to be elected as the first woman ever to become the General Secretary of the UN. I invite you to visit the campaign website www.chooseawomanforun.eu. If you would like to support Dr. Vike-Freiberga please you are welcome to sign the petition. If you would like to learn more about Vaira Vike-Freiberga, please let me know.
Otherwise, enjoy the Indian summer of Boston and good luck with the first assignments!
Dan
From: communication@chooseawomanforun.eu
To: info@ewla.org
Sent: Friday, September 15, 2006 2:15 PM
Subject: CHOOSE A WOMAN FOR UN
Madame, Sir,
M. Kofi Annan’s mandate as Secretary General to the
United Nations is coming to an end in December 2006. Candidates are already beginning to emerge.
According to the regional rule, it is time for an Asian candidate to take over the responsibilities of this task. However, nothing is definite and the debates are only just beginning.
Women represent more than half of the world population. They are becoming increasingly involved in international affairs and many form the futures of their countries. Why shouldn’t one be nominated to the head of the UN?
Choosing a woman as Secretary General of the UN would be a symbol of this organization’s support for women’s rights and would send an important
message to the world.
The role of Secretary General to the UN is essential in guaranteeing peace and globalisation of a more humane nature. Naming a woman to this post as Secretary General would help to shape the 21st Century into one of modernity and respect.
A global initiative was launched by the association Femmes Débat & Société to promote this issue. A website is available in three languages
www.unefemmealonu.eu, www.chooseawomanforun.eu, www.unamujerenlaonu.eu on which you will find a petition that has already gathered more than 2200 signatures in just a few days.
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