Espinosa says 'after 80 years' it is time for a woman UN Secretary‑General; will consult member states on deputy pick

Madame Espinosa, a candidate for United Nations Secretary‑General, told a press session she supports the selection of a woman to head the United Nations and stressed the need for the "right woman" to lead the organization.

"My answer would be why not? My answer would be that after 80 years, it is about time," Espinosa said in response to an Associated Press question about the importance of electing the first woman Secretary‑General. She added that electing a woman is not sufficient on its own: "not any woman, the right woman and the right leader that the UN deserves." The Associated Press also asked what role she would give a Deputy Secretary‑General; Espinosa said that choice "is a very important decision" and that she would make it only after consulting member states.

The candidate framed the question as part of the broader selection process, which requires both the General Assembly and the Security Council to act. Her comments foregrounded both symbolic representation — marking the first female Secretary‑General after decades of male officeholders — and a practical emphasis on choosing a candidate deemed qualified by member states. Journalists at the session included reporters from the Associated Press, Al Jazeera English and La Stampa.

Espinosa's stated approach leaves the deputy selection subject to negotiation with member states and does not commit to a specific person or policy role for that office. The session ended with closing remarks and no formal timeline for nomination or selection provided during the remarks.