The 1 For 7 Billion Campaign aims to create an open, transparent and merit-based selection process offers the best chance to find the best Secretary-General. We need a process that sets out formal selection criteria and qualifications, meets modern practices and exemplifies the UN’s ideals. We need a process that meets the higher standards of transparency and accountability that UN Member States and civil society have been demanding for years. We need a process that is grounded in best practice on equality and diversity. We need a process that provides meaningful involvement from all Member States, appropriate input from civil society, and matches that of other high-level international appointments.

The proposals we make are realistic. They do not require an amendment to the Charter. Many of them are based on UN General Assembly resolutions adopted with the support of all Member States, others, on UN expert reports which still await implementation.

Our campaign is based on principles which reflect best practice in the selection of other top public leaders.

1 for 7 Billion proposes ten specific reforms which are necessary and can be achieved:

• A call for nominations by Member States, parliaments and civil society and a closing date for nominations [partly achieved]
• A formal list of selection criteria [partly achieved]
• A clear timetable for the selection process
• Publication of an official list of candidates and their CVs [partly achieved]
• Regular updates to the UN membership and the general public on the selection process[partly achieved]
• Candidates to present their leadership vision and goals for the position
• Open sessions with candidates at which Member States, the public and the media can scrutinise candidates [partly achieved]
• No backroom deals: candidates not to make promises to permanent members of the Security Council  in exchange for support
• The Security Council to present two or more candidates to the General Assembly to choose from
• The term of office to be limited to a single, non-renewable period of seven years to enhance independence and accountability.