Bio Makes Strong Call for Woman to Become Next UN Secretary General

President Julius Maada Bio has called for a woman to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, saying the organisation should demonstrate its commitment to equality by entrusting a woman with its highest office.

Bio made the call on September 22, 2026, while delivering Sierra Leone’s national statement during the general debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He noted that every UN Secretary-General since the organisation was established has been a man, saying the current selection process presents an opportunity to change that.

“The women put forward for this office have placed their competence beyond dispute,” Bio said, adding that what remains is “the will of this Organisation to live by the equality it asks of others and entrust a woman with its highest office.”

António Guterres, the current UN Secretary-General, is serving his second term, which ends on December 31, 2026. His successor is expected to assume office in January 2027.

The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council. The current selection process includes nominations by member states, as well as opportunities for candidates to present their priorities and respond to questions from member states and civil society.

Several women have been nominated in the ongoing process, including María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and Ivonne A-Baki.

Michelle Bachelet was initially nominated but her candidacy was withdrawn by Chile on March 25, 2026, and she should therefore not be listed among the current candidates.

Bio’s call comes as member states continue the process of selecting Guterres’ successor, with the representation of women in the UN’s top leadership position remaining a prominent issue in the discussions