Trafficking and Elimination of Violence Against Women - PGA's Press Conference | United Nations

Hybrid press Conference by Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the General Assembly, on issues including the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons and International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ----- The President of the General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock, announced the launch of the formal selection and appointment process for the next Secretary-General, and said “the world is looking to the next SG to provide strong, dedicated and effective leadership in delivering on the three pillars of the United Nations; peace and security, human rights and development, and in making the United Nations fit for the future.” Baerbock told journalists in New York that the President of the Security Council, Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, and she, as president of the General Assembly, had signed the joint letter which formally initiates the process and said, “the selection of the next Secretary-General comes at a pivotal moment for our United Nations.” She said, “our choice will send a powerful message about who we are as United Nations, and whether we truly serve all the people of the world, of which everywhere in the world half are women and girls.” The GA President noted that the joint letter “reflects improvements to the process and the latest resolution on revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, including a call to member states to strongly consider nominating women as candidates for the position of Secretary-General, the importance of regional diversity, transparent campaign disclosures and provisions on the withdrawal of candidates.” She said, “I am convinced that the decision about the future leadership of this organisation is also about credibility.” Baerbock said, “as President of the General Assembly, I will therefore ensure that the process reflects the principles of the United Nations Charter and the very best of our shared commitment and values.” On 5 September 2025 the General Assembly adopted resolution 79/327 on the Revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, which sets out the process for the selection and appointment in line with Article 97 of the Charter of the United Nations. The resolution builds on previous related resolutions, which introduced significant improvements to the selection and appointment process of the Secretary-General. According to the resolution, candidates are nominated by a Member State or groups of Member States and must provide a vision statement, curriculum vitae and campaign financing disclosures. The President of the General Assembly then convenes webcast interactive dialogues with all candidates and engages closely, in a transparent and inclusive manner, with Member States.


For more information or to watch video on YouTube, click here!