As the United Nations (UN) marks its 80th anniversary and General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock highlight a striking gap in its leadership, the continued absence of a woman Secretary-General.

For an institution founded on principles of equality, human rights, and inclusion, this omission is becoming harder to defend.

Baerbock argues that the issue is not merely symbolic, but central to the UN’s mission, with women’s rights inseparable from peace, security, and sustainable development.

Baerbock also reflected on the broader challenges facing multilateralism, the need for reform, and the importance of standing together to uphold the values of the UN Charter.

–Channel Africa–