Power, Representation, and the Future of the UN

At a moment of profound strain on multilateralism, marked by declining trust, geopolitical polarization, and widening gaps between global decision-making and people’s lived realities, the question of who decides has become decisive. Despite decades of commitments, women remain structurally under-represented in senior decision-making positions across the international system, including multilateral organizations, peace and security bodies, financial institutions, and global governance mechanisms.

The Women in Multilateralism 2026 report demonstrates that this is not merely a question of fairness or symbolism. Evidence shows that systems where women are absent from decision-making are less responsive, less legitimate, and less effective. An impact-oriented multilateral system is simply not possible without women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation at all levels of leadership.

At this pivotal juncture, the forthcoming selection of the next Secretary-General presents a historic opportunity to translate commitment into structural change. The appointment of the first woman Secretary-General, a “Madam Secretary-General”,  would not only correct a long-standing imbalance but signal a decisive step toward renewed, credible, and impact-driven leadership at the helm of the United Nations. Leadership at the highest level shapes institutional culture, priorities, and performance. Choosing a woman to lead the UN would send a powerful message that multilateralism is ready to evolve to be more representative, more accountable, and better equipped to respond to the complex challenges of our time.

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