Letter to our constituents: What are your views on the re-election of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon?

Dear CIVICUS member, partner and friend,

As you may have heard already, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced on 6 June 2011 his intention to seek a second term of office after his current five-year term expires on 31 December 2011.  Regrettably, once again the discussion on the appointment of this top UN job is marred by a lack of transparency and going ahead without formal debate and discussion amongst member states. His bid has already enjoyed the support of all the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States and, given the fact that he remains the only candidate for the job, his appointment already looks like a done deal!

As UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon is at the head of an organisation whose impact on global security and international development is essentially immeasurable. At a time when the world is witnessing a clear gap in strong, ethical and principled political leadership in global governance processes, civil society cannot afford to remain silent and continue without questioning the morality and impact of such political decisions.

Even though we may already be too late in influencing the appointment of the future UN Secretary General, we can indeed question the morality and legality of the process.  Further, CIVICUS strongly believes that this is also a unique opportunity for all of us, as global citizens and civil society, to articulate our expectations of the upcoming Secretary General, and our determination and resolve to hold these leaders accountable.

As a CIVICUS member and a member of civil society – we’d like to hear your views on this critical issue. Specifically, there are three questions we are hoping you can answer:

1. What is your view on Ban Ki-moon’s decision to run for a second term as the UN Secretary General?
2. What is your opinion on the process and his likely appointment?
3. What are your key expectations and demands of the upcoming UN Secretary General?