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Geneva Graduate Institute
05 June 2026

Candidates’ Debate for Next UN Secretary-General to Take Place at the Geneva Graduate Institute

At a defining moment for the future of global governance, the Geneva Graduate Institute will host a high-level debate organised by GWL Voices, in partnership with the United Nations Foundation, featuring three candidates for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. 

The Candidates’ Debate will be broadcast live on 9 June at 15:00 and moderated by renowned BBC journalist Ms Zeinab Badawi.

The event will bring together official candidates Ms Michelle Bachelet, Ms María Fernanda Espinosa, and Ms Rebeca Grynspan, alongside a special video intervention from Mr Macky Sall. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with the visions and priorities of those aspiring to lead the United Nations at a critical juncture for multilateralism.

Following the debate, at 17:00, a public event will take place in partnership with GWL Voices to mark the presentation of the Decalogue for the Next UN Secretary-General. This document, developed by the cohort of Her Turn Rapporteurs, and handed out to all candidates, outlines key priorities the next Secretary-General should address from the perspective of the young generations.

HER TURN Harvest is a structured participation model designed to reshape global governance by placing young people at the center — as knowledge producers, political interlocutors, and movement builders. This session will showcase the outcome of this process: a Decalogue capturing the priorities and values that should guide the next UN Secretary-General and will be handed out to all candidates to the position.

Bringing together distinguished speakers and student rapporteurs, the discussion will explore how intergenerational dialogue can strengthen multilateralism and advance inclusive leadership, with particular attention to gender equality and representation.

Register to Attend the Public Event