Bachelet advocates for a more 'effective' UN led by a Latin American woman

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has called for a more effective, representative, and accessible United Nations, suggesting it's time for a leader from Latin America and the Caribbean to take the helm.

Bachelet, a candidate for UN Secretary-General, outlined the world's pressing issues in a letter read at a regional dialogue in Uruguay. She cited prolonged conflicts, escalating inequalities, an intensifying climate crisis, democratic backsliding, and a worrying erosion of trust in international institutions.

"We need a more effective, representative, and people-centered United Nations," Bachelet stated. She emphasized that the moment is right for someone from Latin America and the Caribbean to assume the secretary-general role, pointing to the region's strong tradition of commitment to peace, international law, human rights, democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Unable to attend the event in Montevideo due to a severe viral illness, Bachelet's message was shared with participants. She described the current opportunity for a Latin American woman to lead the UN as historic, given the organization's 80-year history.

Bachelet stressed that the position demands independence, impartiality, sound judgment, and courage. The secretary-general must navigate pressures from governments and various interests, listening to all sides without becoming an instrument of any single entity. She asserted the need to act with unwavering firmness against any violations of international law, without applying double standards.