Volodymyr Yelchenko took part in an international briefing on the election of the new UN Secretary-General
Volodymyr Yelchenko, Head of International Policy Research at the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine, took part in a special briefing organized by the international think tank United Nations Foundation for journalists from leading global media.
Following the briefing, an agreement was reached to launch cooperation between the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation and the United Nations Foundation in the field of international policy research and reform of the UN system.
The event took place against the backdrop of the start of the selection process in New York for candidates for the post of UN Secretary-General. This year marks the end of the ten-year term of António Guterres, who was appointed by the UN General Assembly in 2016 on the recommendation of the Security Council.
Volodymyr Yelchenko shared little-known details of the Secretary-General selection process ten years ago. At the time, he headed Ukraine’s delegation to the UN Security Council, where Kyiv was a non-permanent member. Former Permanent Representative of Uruguay to the UN Elbio Rosselli also took part in the event.
During the briefing, participants discussed which factors are truly decisive in choosing the new head of the United Nations, as well as the challenges facing the international security system as a result of Russia’s aggression. Particular attention was paid to the crisis of the international legal order and how the illegitimate presence of the Russian Federation in the permanent seat on the UN Security Council undermines the Organization’s authority and effectiveness.
Six candidates are currently vying for the post of UN Secretary-General, including former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, and other representatives of the Latin American region.
