NEW YORK, September 29 — As the United Nations gears up for the 2026 appointment of a new Secretary-General, a groundbreaking opportunity looms on the horizon: the chance for a woman to lead the UN for the first time in its 80-year history. This pivotal moment, highlighted by Annalena Baerbock, the President of the 80th UN General Assembly and only the fifth woman to hold this position, demands not only reflection but a decisive commitment to gender equality.
In her opening remarks, Baerbock underscored the importance of this impending decision, noting the absence of a female Secretary-General in the organization’s nearly eight-decade existence. “One might wonder how out of four billion potential candidates, there could not be found a single one,” she stated, emphasizing that we stand at a crossroads—one that could redefine leadership within the UN.
The momentum for change is palpable. Civil society campaigns such as “1 for 8 Billion” are gaining significant traction, with 92 member states expressing strong support for a woman Secretary-General, including 28 calling for female candidates. This is more than mere symbolism; it represents a transformative shift in global leadership dynamics.
However, while we celebrate the prospect of a female leader at the helm of the UN, we must also confront a pressing concern that threatens to undermine this progress: the potential dilution of the UN Women mandate. It is crucial to recognize that while breaking the glass ceiling at the top is essential, it becomes futile if the institution tasked with promoting women’s rights is weakened.
**UN Women: A Vital Force for Gender Equality**
The establishment of UN Women was a historic milestone, born from years of advocacy and negotiations among member states. In July 2010, the UN General Assembly unanimously voted to create this dynamic entity to bolster efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed it as a “truly watershed day,” marking a commitment to elevate women’s rights on the global agenda.
UN Women was formed by consolidating four UN entities dedicated to gender equality, aiming to mainstream women’s rights across peace-building, development, and human rights. Over the past 15 years, it has become a leading force for transformative change, advocating for inclusive policies and supporting grassroots movements. From combating gender-based violence to promoting women’s leadership, UN Women has made significant strides toward achieving gender equality.
Yet today, this vital institution faces chronic underfunding, diminishing political influence, and a shrinking mandate. In many instances, it is seen merely as a symbolic entity rather than a strategic one.
**The Dangers of Merging UN Women**
Currently, a new proposal under the UN80 reform agenda threatens to further weaken UN Women’s impact: the potential merger with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). While both agencies work on overlapping issues related to reproductive health and women’s rights, their mandates are distinct. UN Women advocates for systemic change and institutional reform, while UNFPA focuses on sexual and reproductive health and population dynamics.
Although merging the two could yield operational benefits, such as streamlined programming and enhanced coordination, it poses significant risks. Many in civil society, including gender equality advocates, worry that such a merger could dilute UN Women’s policy leadership, ultimately sidelining the very issues it was created to address.
The potential loss of decades of institutional knowledge, expertise, and established partnerships is alarming. Should the merger be rushed or imposed from above, it risks transforming a transformative agenda into a technocratic one, diminishing the strategic focus necessary for real change.
Moreover, consolidating mandates could expose contentious issues like abortion and comprehensive sexuality education to increased donor-driven political interference and budget cuts. Women-led organizations, already facing funding challenges, could find their stability further jeopardized.
**A Call to Action for Gender Equality**
The urgency for action is echoed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who recently warned that “women’s rights are under siege.” He urged those who champion equality for women and girls to rise and speak out. The antidote to the challenges ahead is not just symbolic leadership; it is institutional strength.
To ensure that the UN’s commitment to women’s rights transcends rhetoric, we must take decisive steps:
1. **Safeguard UN Women’s Autonomy**: Any restructuring must preserve UN Women’s distinct mandate. Mergers that dilute its policy leadership or reduce its visibility must be rejected. Women’s empowerment is not a subset of health; it is a global priority.
2. **Strengthen Funding and Influence**: Member States must increase core funding for UN Women and support its integration across all UN agencies, ensuring that political backing aligns with rhetorical support.
3. **Institutionalize Feminist Leadership**: The next Secretary-General, particularly if she is a woman, must champion feminist principles in practice. This involves elevating UN Women, embedding gender analysis across UN operations, securing necessary resources, and holding the system accountable for tangible results.
4. **Mobilize Civil Society**: Feminist movements and grassroots organizations must remain vigilant to ensure that women’s empowerment is not reduced to optics or absorbed into narrower agendas. Their voices are critical in shaping reform.
5. **Demand Transparency in Reform**: The UN80 Task Force must engage openly with stakeholders, ensuring that decisions impacting UN Women’s future are transparent, inclusive, and grounded in human rights principles.
The UN was founded on the promise of dignity and equality for all, a promise that cannot be fulfilled by merely elevating one woman while sidelining the institution meant to empower millions. The appointment of a female Secretary-General would be historic, but it must be accompanied by a commitment to fortify UN Women and protect its essential mandate.
UN Women must lead the charge, hold agencies accountable, and advocate with authority for women and girls worldwide. The choice is clear: treat women’s empowerment as transformative or reduce it to a mere footnote. The time for action is now. Empowering UN Women is not just a goal; it is a necessity for achieving true gender equality on a global scale.
