In its 80-year history, the United Nations has never had a woman serve as secretary-general — a fact that some world leaders now view as a glaring symbol of gender inequality at the highest level of global diplomacy.
With Secretary-General Antonio Guterres due to complete his second five-year term at the end of 2026, some at this week's annual U.N. General Assembly were vocal in their call for a woman to assume the role.
"It is high time for a woman to be chosen as U.N. Secretary-General," said Estonia's President Alar Karis.
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