Could next UN chief be a woman? Advocates are encouraged.

Key Points:

• The United Nations has never had a female secretary-general in its 80-year history, but with the current selection process underway, four of seven declared candidates are women, raising hopes to break this longstanding gender barrier.
• Advocates argue that women possess essential qualities such as strategic thinking, diplomacy, and management skills, making them well-suited to lead the complex international institution and symbolize needed reform and fresh perspectives.
• The secretary-general is chosen by the 15-member Security Council, with the five permanent members holding veto power, making geopolitical dynamics and great-power politics significant factors in the election outcome.
• Early informal Security Council straw polls show female candidates leading, particularly former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan and former Guyanese Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, both receiving strong "encourage" votes.
• While the U.S. has stated gender will not influence its choice, political considerations and President Trump's unpredictable preferences could impact the selection, and China has expressed openness to a female secretary-general after many years of male leadership.