Candidacy was formalized jointly with Chile and Mexico; president highlighted the experience of the former president and argued that it is time for a woman to lead the organization
The Brazilian government will support the candidacy of the former president of Chile Michelle Bachelet for secretary-general of the United Nations (UN). In a post on social media, this Monday (2), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that, in eight decades of history, it is time for the organization to “finally” be commanded by a woman.
According to Lula, Bachelet’s career is marked by pioneering spirit. In the publication, he highlighted her CV, as the first woman to preside over Chile, twice, and the first to occupy the positions of Minister of Defense and Health in her country. He also recalled that she held high-level roles in the multilateral system.
“In the United Nations system, she played a decisive role in the creation and consolidation of UN Women, as its first executive director, giving institutional scale to the equality agenda. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she worked to protect the most vulnerable, advance the recognition of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and give a voice to those who most need to be heard”, wrote Lula.
“Her experience, leadership and commitment to multilateralism accredit her to lead the UN, in an international context marked by conflicts, inequalities and democratic setbacks”, added the Brazilian president.
Currently, Portuguese António Guterres heads the United Nations secretariat. He was re-elected in 2021 for a second 5-year term (2022-2026), after beginning his term in January 2017.
The new secretary general takes office on January 1, 2027.
It is with great honor that Brazil supports her candidacy for UN Secretary General. In eight decades of history, it is time for the organization to finally be led by a woman.
Bachelet’s career is marked by pioneering spirit. She was the first woman to preside over…
— Lula (@LulaOficial)
Joint support
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that Bachelet’s candidacy was formally presented, this Monday, by the governments of Chile, Brazil and Mexico.
“This candidacy reflects the shared will of our countries to actively contribute to strengthening the multilateral system and to promote leadership capable of responding to current challenges,” says the document.
“Former President Bachelet’s extensive experience in leading complex political processes, her recognized ability to facilitate dialogue and her commitment to the fundamental values of the United Nations constitute a substantive contribution to moving towards a more effective, representative organization oriented towards the well-being of the people”, he adds.
Itamaraty also cites the current international scenario of “great complexity” and the role of the UN as the main space for dialogue and the construction of collective solutions in matters of international peace and security, sustainable development, promotion and protection of human rights and action to reverse climate change.
“We reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism as a fundamental pillar for global governance based on international cooperation and respect for the self-determination of peoples”, concludes the note.
*With information from Agência Brasil
