Eswatini has joined growing international calls for the United Nations to appoint its first-ever female Secretary-General, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, stating that the global organization must lead by example in advancing gender equality.
Speaking during the official opening of the 3rd Kingdom of Eswatini–European Union Partnership Dialogue at the Hilton Garden Inn on Friday, Shakantu said the time has come for a woman to occupy the highest office within the United Nations system.
The Minister expressed concern over the continued gender imbalance at the helm of the UN, noting that all nine Secretaries-General who have led the organization since its inception have been men.
“I am personally concerned about the gender imbalance within the UN system. I believe this time it will be time for a female SG. There have been nine Secretaries-General, and all have been men,” Shakantu said during her address.
Her remarks placed gender representation and inclusive global leadership at the center of discussions during the high-level dialogue. The Minister urged international institutions to align their leadership structures with the values they promote worldwide.
Shakantu also called on European Union member states to support the election of women in the bloc’s future leadership races, noting that women continue to face barriers in accessing top decision-making positions despite global commitments to empowerment.
The Minister stressed that women have consistently demonstrated strong leadership capabilities across governments, international institutions, and the private sector. She noted that it is now necessary for global organizations to move beyond symbolic commitments and implement meaningful reforms.
Beyond the issue of gender representation, Shakantu praised His Majesty King Mswati III for his leadership in strengthening diplomatic relations between Eswatini and the European Union.
She noted that the longstanding partnership has continued to create opportunities for cooperation in development, trade, governance, and social programs, contributing positively to national development efforts.
European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the strength of the bilateral relationship. Mecklenburg stated that the partnership continues to deliver positive results through collaborative programs aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening institutions, and supporting sustainable development.
He described the dialogue platform as an essential tool for deepening cooperation and ensuring continued engagement on key issues affecting both partners.
The 3rd Kingdom of Eswatini–European Union Partnership Dialogue brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and development partners to review progress in bilateral relations.
Shakantu’s call comes amid an increasing international debate regarding inclusivity within global governance. Several countries and advocacy groups have argued that the UN, a champion of gender equality through various conventions, should reflect those principles at its highest level.
If realized, the appointment of a woman to lead the United Nations would mark a historic shift in the organization’s 80-year history and signal a broader global commitment to gender-balanced leadership.